Efficient Low-Cost Ceramic Grade Nicalon Textile Sizing for High-Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites

High temperature polymer matrix composites (PMC's) offer significant advantages for military engine and airframe applications through reduced weight and improved stiffness over comparable metal components and structures. Sizing supplied on silcon carbide fiber is not thermally stable at high temperature matrix polymer processing temperatures. To manufacture aerospace quality components, sizing concepts need to be developed that improve the fiber handling for woven preforms and provide composites with maximum mechanical performance. This program will develop and demonstrate a water applied high temperature sizing material for silicon carbide fibers. The system will provide for ease of application, preform weaving efficiency and maximum composite performance.