Composites (CFCCs) for low cost energy and cleaner environment. Continuous fiber ceramic composites program

摘要

For many industrial applications, materials are desired which combine light weight, high temperature strength, and stability in corrosive environments. Among competing materials, ceramics are noteworthy candidates for such applications. The use of ceramics is often constrained, however, by brittleness; i.e., low toughness. Ceramic composites are being developed to overcome this limitation. With recent advances in ceramic fiber technology, it is possible to design a composite material based on continuous ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. The use of ceramic composites in industrial applications will result in reduced fuel consumption, but will also prevent airborne pollution (principally NO, SO(sub x), CO(sub 2), and particulates), and economically benefit the end user through energy and environmental savings and increased competitiveness. Industry will also benefit through increased productivity and consumers will benefit through lower energy and environmental costs and a cleaner environment. The development and use of CFCCs could become an important factor in the international competitiveness of U.S. industry. CFCCs will be a critical enabling material in the design and engineering of advanced components, systems, and processes. If CFCC technology is developed outside the United States, domestic users of these materials may be forced to rely on foreign suppliers of the products fabricated from CFCCs, as well as the materials themselves. Foreign countries, including Japan and France, have embarked on government-supported CFCC development efforts. With the market for CFCC products expected to be a $10 billion dollar market by 2010, CFCC development will be important for the competitiveness of U.S. industry and for retaining and creating jobs for U.S. citizens. This document summarizes the potential energy, environmental, and economic benefits that CFCCs will have for the U.S. economy and particularly for the industrial sector.