Development of 2D and 3D Hi-Nicalon fibres/SiC matrix composites manufactured by a combined CVI–PIP route

SiCf/SiC composites with true 3D textures were manufactured in order to investigate the effects of the texture on thermal and mechanical properties. Hi-NicalonTM fibre preforms having a total fibre volume content of about 40% with 25 and 50% relative fibre content through the thickness were infiltrated using a mixed chemical vapour infiltration–polymer infiltration and pyrolysis technique. The issues and the main characteristics of the obtained 3D composites are presented and compared with the ones of 2D composites prepared employing the same materials and process.