Extremely High Temperature Stable Composites

Abstract

This paper deals with a relatively new class of ceramic matrix composites (CMC). Different processing techniques are currently in use for the manufacture of continuous fibre reinforced ceramic matrix composites, which result in low weight materials with outstanding properties. The liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process enables the cost efficient manufacture of complex CMC structural components of high thermal and mechanical stability. Due to high component prices, however, applications have been hitherto restricted to temperatures metallic materials cannot reach. In order to enter the cost sensitive market, manufacturing costs must be reduced. As the main cost reduction potential lies in the material costs and in the manufacture of carbon preforms, the use of wooden preforms may be a solution. This low cost approach results in novel biomorphic ceramic materials whose properties are presented in this paper.