Oxidation Resistant CMC Materials Technology for Lightweight and Environmentally Durable Propulsion Components

Surmet will demonstrate a novel processing method to develop environmentally resistant C/SiC composites for turbomachinery. The need to reduce the weight, size, and costs of current systems make the use of SiC ideal in these high temperatures and extreme environments. Traditional processing of SiC materials are inherently limited in terms of component thicknesses and overall sizes that can be processed, as well as uniform densification. Also, pure SiC matrices are subject to attack in the environments expected for these components, e.g., hydrogen rich steam and oxygen rich environments. Surmet proposes a protected C/SiC composite from preceramic polymer as a solution to NASA systems' weight, environmental resistance, and cost requirements. A number of specimens will be fabricated to demonstrate mechanical strength, thermal capability, and environmental durability of these materials. The Phase II program will demonstrate repeatability in properties and produce relevant CMC components that will be tested under simulated service conditions.