Interface structure and mechanical properties of Al₂O₃-20vol%SiCw ceramic matrix composite

Al₂O₃-20vol%SiCw composites with as-received and acid-leached whiskers were fabricated by a hot-pressing technique. The microstructure, mechanical properties, fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) techniques and three-point bending tests. The results show that whisker surface acid-leached treatment obviously reduces the oxygen content of SiC whisker and makes the whisker surface smooth, resulting in composites with higher fracture toughness.