Forced Chemical Vapor Infiltration Fabrication of SiC/SiC Composites

摘要

Composites consisting of silicon carbide matrices reinforced with ceramic fibers, whiskers, or platelets have been fabricated by forced-chemical vapor infiltration (FCVI). Processing of composites reinforced with Nicalon fibers by FCVI has been optimized after many years of study. The material exhibits adequate flexure strengths and high-fracture toughness values. Models are described that have improved the understanding of the infiltration process and will be used to better control the process. Utilizing the increased understanding of the process developed through the modeling efforts, a limited number of composites were produced from alternative reinforcements. Preliminary mechanical property measurements of these materials indicated lower strengths and less fracture toughness than composites reinforced with Nicalon fibers. 21 refs., 12 figs., 4 tabs. (ERA citation 14:004754)