3-D Braided preforms should increase mechanical properties of ceramic composites in all directions; its interlocking fiber architecture should be effective in arresting cracks, and removing catastrophic failure. This projects addresses the issue of merging an effective reinforcement system with an inexpensive ceramin matrix processing technology to discover a low cost manufacturing route to high performance ceramic composite shapes. CVI is an infiltration technology that provides high quality ceramic matrices in composites. Its use with the 3-D braided preforms is expected to meet and exceed requirements for this project. The ultimate cost to fabricate such composites will be a significant factor in some applications; once the performance level has been defined, reductions in manufacturing costs can follow, optimizing the efficiency of this system; alternate systems may ultimately prove attractive, cost wise. In this Phase I, enough processing trials will be made to produce a representative matrix to host the preform. Prediction of mechanical properties based on braid geometry and fiber properties will determine the validity of the approach to ceramic composites.
Benefits: Success in Phase I will justify a continuation into a broader Phase II effort, where process optimization will be a major part of the project. In addition,t he feasibility of fabricating large, complex shapes with these two technologies will be developed. Ultimately, the project should bring nearer to commercial availability the high performance ceramic composites which have a broad and important role tofill, both in defense and in the commercial sectors.
Keywords: 3-D braided preforms microwave processing low cost high performance
