Process Automation for Ceramic Composite Fabrication Methods

Boron nitride interface coatings are useful in the fabrication of SiC fiber reinforced CMCs. However, the range of thickness requirements have not quantified for any specific composite system. This program will investigate a range of boron nitride coating thickness from 50 nm to 500 nm. The results should help to define limits of layer thickness in properly developing a material specification. BENEFITS: By establishing data for the definition of the useful range of interface coating thickness the fewest acceptable rejected lots of coated fabric will be identified. Therefore, the maximum yield will be attained. The program will also help to establish improved materials specifications. This program will permit better identification of mechanisms by which deviations in the coating and composite fabrication processes can be identified through documentation of changes in the microstructure.