Silicon Carbide Whisker/Alumina Matrix Composites: Effect of Whisker Surface Treatment on Fracture Toughness

The fracture toughness of a 30 vol% SiC whisker/Al 2 O 3 matrix composite was evaluated as a function of whisker surface chemistry. Two types of SiC whiskers (Silar‐SC‐9 and Tateho‐SCW‐1‐S) were investigated. Modification of the whisker surface chemistry was achieved by subjecting the whiskers to thermal treatments under controlled atmospheres. Whisker surface chemistry, as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, was correlated to the fracture toughness of the composites.