Design, preparation and properties of non-oxide CMCs for application in engines and nuclear reactors: an overview

SiC-based ceramic matrix composites, consisting of carbon or SiC fibers embedded in a SiC-matrix, are tough ceramics when the fiber/matrix bonding is properly optimized through the use of a thin interphase. They are fabricated according to different processing routes (chemical vapor infiltration, polymer impregnation/pyrolysis, liquid silicon infiltration or slurry impregnation/hot pressing) each of them displaying advantages and drawbacks which are briefly discussed. SiC-matrix composites are highly tailorable materials in terms of fiber-type (carbon fibers of SiC-based fibers such as Si-C-O, SiC + C or quasi-stoichiometric SiC reinforcements), interphase (pyrocarbon or hexagonal BN, as well as (PyC-SiC)(n) or (BN SiC)(n) multilayered interphases), matrix (simple SiC or matrices with improved oxidation resistance, such as self-healing matrices) and coatings (SiC or engineered multilayered coatings). The potential of SiC-matrix composites for application in advanced aerojet engines (after-burner hot section), gas turbine of electrical power/steam cogeneration (combustion chamber) and inner wall of the plasma chamber of nuclear fusion reaction, all of them corresponding to very severe conditions is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.