Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Strengthening of C/SiC Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition of CNTs on a SiC Coating

  • Published:
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The current study reports the enhancement of mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (C/SiC CMCs) by the application of a carbon nanotube/silicon carbide (CNT/SiC) coating. CNTs were deposited on the surfaces of C/SiC composites using electrophoretic deposition (EPD), after which infiltration by SiC was achieved through a chemical vapor infiltration process. An EPD duration of 5 min was associated with a 40% increase in the ultimate flexural strength relative to that of composites with a pure SiC coating. The observed enhancement was rationalized by the microstructural observations of SiC infiltration into the porous CNT morphology and the subsequent formation of CNT/SiC layers on the surfaces of the composites and by the inherent toughness of the SiC whiskers. The flexural strength decreased with EPD durations greater than 5 min due to the formation of thick CNT meshes, which decreased the open porosity and thereby obstructed further SiC infiltration. This is a viable methodology for the improvement of mechanical properties of CMCs by the introduction of a ceramic coating containing CNT.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. N.P. Bansal and J. Lamon, Ceramic Matrix Composites: Materials, Modeling and Technology, Wiley, Hoboken, 2014

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. W. Krenkel, Ceramic Matrix Composites: Fiber Reinforced Ceramics and Their Applications, Wiley, Weinheim, 2008

    Book  Google Scholar 

  3. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Farhan, S. Xiao, J. Xia, and L. Cheng, Anisotropic Compressive Properties of Porous CNT/SiC Composites Produced by Direct Matrix Infiltration of CNT Aerogel, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2017, 100, p 2243–2252

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. R. Naslain, F. Langlais, R. Pailler, and G. Vignoles, Processing of SiC/SiC Fibrous Composites According to CVI-techniques, Advanced SiC/SiC Ceramic Composites: Developments and Applications in Energy Systems, A. Kohyama, M. Singh, H.-T. Lin, and Y. Katoh, Ed., Wiley, Hoboken, 2006, p 19–37

    Google Scholar 

  5. R. Naslain, Design, Preparation and Properties of non-oxide CMCs for Application in Engines and Nuclear Reactors: An Overview, Compos. Sci. Technol., 2004, 64, p 155–170

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. J. Li, J. Sha, J. Dai, Z. Lv, J. Shao, S. Wang, and Z. Zhang, Fabrication and Characterization of Carbon-Bonded Carbon Fiber Composites with In Situ Grown SiC Nanowires, Carbon, 2017, 118, p 148–155

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Farhan, S. Xiao, Q. Bai, and L. Cheng, Anisotropic Compressive Properties of CNT/SiC Composites Produced by Direct Matrix Infiltration of Vertically Aligned CNT Forests, J. Alloys Compd., 2017, 701, p 722–726

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Xiao, and L. Cheng, A Direct Chemical Vapor Infiltration Route for a Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Carbide Thermal Protection System, J. Alloys Compd., 2018, 745, p 409–412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Xiao, W. Xue, Q. Bai, and L. Cheng, CNT/SiC Composites Produced by Direct Matrix Infiltration of Self-Assembled CNT Sponges, J. Mater. Sci., 2017, 52, p 8401–8411

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Xiao, and L. Cheng, Electromagnetic Shielding Properties of Carbon-Rich Chemical Vapor Infiltration-Prone Silicon Carbide Matrix Composites, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2018, 101, p 1991–1998

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Xiao, J. Xia, J. Gu, and L. Cheng, Porous SiCnw/SiC Ceramics with Unidirectionally Aligned Channels Produced by Freeze-Drying and Chemical Vapor Infiltration, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2017, 37, p 915–921

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Y.P. Xie, L.F. Cheng, L.J. Li, Z.X. Meng, and L.T. Zhang, Strengthening/Toughening of 2D C/SiC Composites by Coating, Ceram. Int., 2014, 40, p 6875–6880

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Y. Xiang, W. Li, S. Wang, B. Zhang, and Z. Chen, ZrB2/SiC as a Protective Coating for C/SiC Composites: Effect of High Temperature Oxidation on Mechanical Properties and Anti-ablation Property, Compos. B Eng., 2013, 45, p 1391–1396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. G. Overney, W. Zhong, and D. Tománek, Structural Rigidity and Low Frequency Vibrational Modes of Long Carbon Tubules, Z. Phys. D, 1993, 27, p 93–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. E.W. Wong, P.E. Sheehan, and C.M. Lieber, Nanobeam Mechanics: Elasticity, Strength, and Toughness of Nanorods and Nanotubes, Science, 1997, 277, p 1971–1975

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. S. Iijima, C. Brabec, A. Maiti, and J. Bernholc, Structural Flexibility of Carbon Nanotubes, J. Chem. Phys., 1996, 104, p 2089–2092

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. R. Saito, M. Fujita, G. Dresselhaus, and M.S. Dresselhaus, Electronic Structure of Chiral Graphene Tubules, Appl. Phys. Lett., 1992, 60, p 2204–2206

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. M. Estili and Y. Sakka, Recent Advances in Understanding the Reinforcing Ability and Mechanism of Carbon Nanotubes in Ceramic Matrix Composites, Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater., 2014, 15, p 1–25

    Google Scholar 

  19. J. Cho, A.R. Boccaccini, and M.S.P. Shaffer, Ceramic Matrix Composites Containing Carbon Nanotubes, J. Mater. Sci., 2009, 44, p 1934–1951

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. E. Zapata-Solvas, D. Gómez-García, and A. Domínguez-Rodríguez, Towards Physical Properties Tailoring of Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2012, 32, p 3001–3020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. K.G. Dassios, Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites: Processing and Properties, High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites, Vol 8, L. Zhang and D. Jiang, Ed., Wiley, Hoboken, 2014, p 133–157

    Google Scholar 

  22. D. Han, H. Mei, S. Xiao, K.G. Dassios, and L. Cheng, A Review on the Processing Technologies of Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Carbide Composites, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2018, 38, p 3695–3708

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. X. Gui, H. Li, L. Zhang, Y. Jia, L. Liu, Z. Li, J. Wei, K. Wang, H. Zhu, Z. Tang, D. Wu, and A. Cao, A Facile Route to Isotropic Conductive Nanocomposites by Direct Polymer Infiltration of Carbon Nanotube Sponges, ACS Nano, 2011, 5, p 4276–4283

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. J.N. Coleman, U. Khan, and Y.K. Gun’Ko, Mechanical Reinforcement of Polymers Using Carbon Nanotubes, Adv. Mater., 2006, 18, p 689–706

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. M. Moniruzzaman and K.I. Winey, Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes, Macromolecules, 2006, 39, p 5194–5205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. W.A. Curtin and B.W. Sheldon, CNT-Reinforced Ceramics and Metals, Mater. Today, 2004, 7, p 44–49

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. T. Laha, Y. Liu, and A. Agarwal, Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Aluminum Nanocomposite via Plasma and High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Spray Forming, J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol., 2007, 7, p 515–524

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. W.X. Chen, J.P. Tu, L.Y. Wang, H.Y. Gan, Z.D. Xu, and X.B. Zhang, Tribological Application of Carbon Nanotubes in a Metal-Based Composite Coating and Composites, Carbon, 2003, 41, p 215–222

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. G. Zheng, H. Sano, and Y. Uchiyama, A Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced SiC Coating for the Oxidation Protection of C/C Composite Materials, Compos. B Eng., 2011, 42, p 2158–2162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. W.X. Chen, J.P. Tu, Z.D. Xu, W.L. Chen, X.B. Zhang, and D.H. Cheng, Tribological Properties of Ni-P-Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Electroless Composite Coating, Mater. Lett., 2003, 57, p 1256–1260

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. G. Zheng, H. Mizuki, H. Sano, and Y. Uchiyama, CNT-PyC-SiC/SiC Double-Layer Oxidation-Protection Coating on C/C Composite, Carbon, 2008, 46, p 1808–1811

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. L. Feng, K. Li, Z. Si, H. Li, Q. Song, Y. Shan, and S. Wen, Microstructure and Thermal Shock Resistance of SiC/CNT-SiC Double-Layer Coating for Carbon/Carbon Composites, Ceram. Int., 2014, 40, p 13683–13689

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. A. Zarebidaki and S.R. Allahkaram, Effect of Surfactant on the Fabrication and Characterization of Ni-P-CNT Composite Coatings, J. Alloys Compd., 2011, 509, p 1836–1840

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. H. Mei, Q. Bai, T. Ji, H. Li, and L. Cheng, Effect of Carbon Nanotubes Electrophoretically-Deposited on Reinforcing Carbon Fibers on the Strength and Toughness of C/SiC Composites, Compos. Sci. Technol., 2014, 103, p 94–99

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. J. Dai, J. Sha, J. Shao, Y. Zu, M. Lei, S. Flauder, N. Langhof, and W. Krenkel, In-Situ Growth of SiC Nanostructures and their Influence on Anti-oxidation Capability of C/SiC composites, Corros. Sci., 2017, 124, p 71–79

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. H. Mei, D. Han, S. Xiao, T. Ji, J. Tang, and L. Cheng, Improvement of the Electromagnetic Shielding Properties of C/SiC Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition of Carbon Nanotube on Carbon Fibers, Carbon, 2016, 109, p 149–153

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. M.C. Halbig, in The Influence of Temperature, Stress, and Environment on the Oxidation and Life of C/SiC Composites, 26th Annual Conference on Composites, Advanced Ceramics, Materials, and Structures: A: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings (Wiley Online Library, 2002), pp. 419–426.

  38. Y. Liu, C. Hu, W. Feng, J. Men, L. Cheng, and L. Zhang, Microstructure and Properties of Diamond/SiC Composites Prepared by Tape-Casting and Chemical Vapor Infiltration Process, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2014, 34, p 3489–3498

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work had been financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of China (51272210 and 50902112), Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-0474), Foreign Talents Introduction and Academic Exchange Program of China (B08040), and Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) Foundation for Fundamental Research (NPU-FFR-JC201135).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Science and Technology on Thermostructural Composite Materials Laboratory, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710072, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China

    Kun Yang, Hui Mei, Daoyang Han & Laifei Cheng

Authors
  1. Kun Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hui Mei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Daoyang Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Laifei Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hui Mei.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yang, K., Mei, H., Han, D. et al. Strengthening of C/SiC Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition of CNTs on a SiC Coating. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 27, 5762–5768 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-018-3693-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-018-3693-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation