Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composites: Processing and Characterization When Fabricated by CVI and Hybrid Technique

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites (Cf/SiC & Cf/C-SiC) have been extensively studied as a new class of thermo-structural materials as an alternate candidate for Cf/C composites for increased oxidation resistance and for applications in the oxidizing environment for the past one to two decades. In recent years, many new processing techniques have been developed to process these composites. However, chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) and hybrid process [CVI+Molten silicon infiltration (MSI) and CVI+polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (CVI+PIP)] are more promising to develop the Cf/SiC composites with better properties. These composites possess superior properties such as high specific strength, specific modulus at high temperature, high-temperature chemical properties, and good tribological properties. Hence, they are being thoroughly studied for application in a hypersonic vehicle, some components in military engines and reusable space vehicle, brake disc for aircraft, jet vanes, emergency brakes in cranes, calibration plates, fuel tube in a nuclear fission reactor, furnace charges devices, etc. This chapter describes the general introduction about Cf/SiC and Cf/C-SiC composites, their various processing routes, properties, key results, and the prominent application areas.