Effect of Hold Times on Fatigue Behavior of Nextel 720/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite at 1200 C in Air and in Steam Environment

The aerospace field requires structural materials that can maintain superior mechanical properties while subjected to high temperatures and oxidizing environments. This research investigated the effect of hold times at maximum load on fatigue performance of a Nextel"720/Alumina ceramic matrix composite at 1200-C, explored the influence of environment on material response to cyclic loading with hold times at maximum load, and assessed the effects of loading history on material behavior and environmental durability. The N720/A composite relies on an oxide/oxide composition for inherent oxidation resistance and a porous matrix with no interphase between the fiber and matrix for damage tolerance. Mechanical testing results showed a significant decrease in material life and performance in a steam environment when compared to tests conducted in a laboratory air environment. Prior fatigue of specimens tested in an air environment resulted in an order of magnitude increase in creep life. Fracture surface observations with a Scanning Electron Microscope showed a correlation between an increase in fiber pull-out and increased time to failure. A qualitative spectral analysis indicated evidence of silicon species migration from the mullite phase of the fiber to the matrix, especially in the steam environment. This may be the cause of the decreased creep performance of the material in the steam environment.