Abstract: Strong, tough, and almost fully dense C fiber reinforced celsian matrix composites have been fabricated by impregnation of the fiber tows with the matrix slurry, winding on a drum, drying, stacking the prepreg tapes in the desired orientation, and hot pressing. The monoclinic celsian phase in the matrix was produced in situ, during hot pressing, from amphosous BAS. The unidirectional composites having ≈20 vol% of fibers exhibited graceful failure with extensive fiber pullout in three point bend tests at room temperature. Values of ultimate flexural strength and fracture toughness were 379MPa and 8 3MPa·m 1/2 , respectively.

Key words: barium aluminosilicate, celsian, composite, sol gel, carbon fiber