Hi-Nicalon-S/-Y2Si2O7/SiC minicomposites were formed by polymer infiltration pyrolysis (PIP) and characterized by TEM, SEM fractography, tensile testing, and fiber push-in testing. All minicomposites with -Y2Si2O7 fiber coatings had strengths significantly higher than the control samples without fiber coatings. Extensive fiber pullout with debonding at the coating-fiber interface or within the coating itself was observed in minicomposites with Y2Si2O7 fiber coatings, but no debonding was observed in minicomposites without fiber coatings. Debond energies of 4.5 +/- 3, 4.6 +/- 3J/m(2) and average sliding stresses of 91 +/- 40, 94 +/- 40MPa were measured by fiber push-in tests.