Mechanical Properties of SiC Whisker-Reinforced TiB<sub>2</sub> Composites Fabricated by Hot-Pressing

SiC whisker reinforced TiB2 matrix composites containing 10 to 30vol% whisker were prepared by hotpressing at 1600 to 1900°C. The flexural strength of 867±77MPa and KIC of 5.8±0.12MPa√m were obtained for the 1800°C hot-pressed samples containing 10vol% whisker. No significant increase in KIC was observed by the whisker reinforcement because of the chemical reaction between matrix and whisker, which enhanced strong interfacial bonding and whisker agglomeration.