Rocket Propulsion Supporting Technology

Refractory carbide materials posses the erosion resistance and high temperature strength required for the severe environments experienced by cutting tools, well bore equipment, and rocket nozzles. Refractory carbides (e.g. WC, TaC, and TiC) are usually formed by press and sinter techniques with an additional metallic binder or by forging with some binder. We propose fabricate ceramic metal matrix composites by melt processing, where the carbide phase and the metal phase are formed by eutectic reaction from the liquid. In this new family of materials the low temperature binder phase is replaced with a refractory metal phase, thereby increasing the high temperature strength of the composite, while maintaining room temperature ductility. This innovative approach is possible because of two recent technological advances: Advanced Powder Solutions’ nano encapsulation of ceramic powders by chemical vapor deposition and net shape laser additive manufacturing practice at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. The techniques allow us to synthesize these advanced materials into useful net shape parts.