Novel processes for fabricating ceramic composites and future outlook for markets and applications

摘要

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) can be broken down into two major classes: discontinuously reinforced and continuously reinforced. Discontinuously reinforced CMCs consist of a matrix phase (typically alumina or silicon nitride) to which areinforcing phase (such as silicon carbide particles, platelets or whiskers) is added. This type of CMC is in the early stage of commercialization in applications where wear is a major issue such as cutting tools and extrusion dies. Continuous fiber reinforced CMCs consist of an array of continuous ceramic fibers, either uniaxially arrayed, multi-axially arrayed, or woven as a cloth, that are embedded in a ceramic or glass matrix. This type of CMC is currently at the pre-commercialdevelopment/application demonstration stage for applications where high temperatures and high stresses occur. Such applications include gas turbine components and heat exchangers.