Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) with depth profiling was used to characterize the fiber/matrix interface of SIC fiber, reaction bonded Si3N4 matrix composite. Depth profiles of the “as received” double coated fiber revealed concentration oscillations which disappeared after annealing the fiber in the environment used to fabricate the composite. After the composite was fractured, the Auger depth profiles indicated that failure occurred in neither the ß-SiC fiber body nor in the Si3N4 matrix but in the fiber coating itself.