Joining Ceramic Composites Using Active Metal/Hpcs Preceramic Polymer Slurries

Abstract

The results of ceramic composite joining development using slurries of fibers and active metals as the bonding materials will be discussed. Ceramic composites made by both Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) and Resin Transfer Molding and Pyrolysis (RTMP™) have been joined using chopped fiber slurries, and slurries of active metals such as aluminum, titanium, and silicon. Strengths in the 120 MPa range have been produced with no compressive load applied to the joint region during pyrolysis. The effects of fiber length, slurry composition, and thermal treatments on the four-point flexure strength and microstructure of the joint region will be discussed. Similar work joining monolithic SiC ceramics will also be presented.