Creep behavior of SiC whisker-reinforced Si3N4/BN fibrous monolithic ceramics

The flexural creep behavior of SiC-whisker reinforced hot-pressed Si3N4/BN fibrous monolithic ceramics in the temperature range 1000–1200°C and stress range 250–600 MPa were characterized. Creep curves generally showed extensive primary and lack of tertiary creep. The creep and fracture mechanism were mainly controlled by the BN interlayer. BN began to oxidise at 1200°C and decreased the creep resistance. Meanwhile SiC whisker pulling-out improved the creep resistance. Microscopic damage mechanisms were investigated by SEM.