Environmental Resistant, Integrated Matrix Material System from Low-Cost, Heteroatom Modified Poly(boro)silazanes

Kion Defense Technologies, Inc. (KDT) has teamed with a composite manufacturer to develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of a new, integrated matrix system for SiC-based composites for use up to 1300oC (2400oF). KDT will employ its patented polysilazane resin manufacturing process to incorporate B and Zr or Ti heteroatoms into its ceramic precursor (CERASET) resins to produce SiZrBCN or SiTiBCN, ceramics, respectively. These resins will be suitable for CMC matrix PIP processing and fully compatible with the composite matrix precursor for infiltration, pyrolysis, and resultant coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The resulting composite microstructure will offer oxidation and corrosion protection as a result of the layered matrix structure. Furthermore, the proposed innovation is an improvement on the already tested and approved composite system, thus will require less testing and qualification than a new materials system and process that starts entirely from scratch.