Two types of SiC fiber tows (Hi-Nicalon (TM) and Hi-Nicalon S (TM)) were coated with stabilized ZrO2 and composited using preceramic polymer impregnation pyrolysis to form SiC/SiCf minicomposites. Properties of the fiber/matrix interface in composites were investigated using the indentation method in which a pyramidal indenter was used to push on an individual fiber and cause sliding at the interface. The interfacial frictional stresses were determined from the force-displacement relation. The composites reinforced by the ZrO2-coated fibers have smaller interfacial frictional stresses than composites reinforced by the initial fibers and show fibers sliding relatively more easily with respect to the SiC matrix. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010