Cf/SiC composites by a novel manufacturing method

A continuous carbon fibre/silicon carbide matrix composite material has been produced by a low-cost manufacturing method. According to this method, the space in a 2-D carbon fibre preform is filled with a SiC powder by a pressure infiltration method. High particle packing densities are achieved within the fibre preform in this way. The compact body is heat treated at 400C to form a porous framework, which is then infiltrated with a liquid pre-ceramic polymer, CERASETtmSN. Subsequently the infiltrated polymer is pyrolysed in argon in the temperature of 1300C. The densification degree, mechanical and thermal properties of the composite material have been measured and related to the microstructure. The developed Cf/SiC/SiCNam composite is considered to be a promising material for low and high-temperature applications such as brake discs, seals, components of chemical reactors, gas turbines, etc.