Oxidation of carbon fibers and films in ceramic matrix composites: A weak link process Original Research Article

Non-planar morphologies observed in the reaction front of carbon fibers or interphases receding into a ceramic matrix have been analyzed. A numerical simulation was used to evaluate the parameters which control the morphology of the receding carbon reaction front. The study has indicated that in addition to influencing the recession kinetics, the morphology of the reaction front contains information regarding the interplay between oxidation behavior and microstructural features of the carbon. The implications of non-planar morphology development in receding carbon constituents with respect to ceramic matrix composites are evaluated.