Preparation and properties of sapphire/alumina long fibre composites

Abstract: The research described in the thesis concerns the preparation and properties of oxide/oxide composites and in particular composites consisting of an oxide matrix reinforced with continuous oxide fibres and intended for use as structural materials at very high temperatures. For this application particular attention must be paid to the behaviour of the fibre/matrix interface and to the properties of the fibre. The research has involved two main aspects (i) a thorough review of the physical and mechanical properties of candidate oxides with emphasis on elastic properties and creep properties and (ii) the experimental development of methods to produce continuous fibre reinforced oxide/oxide composites.