Ultra-refractory Ceramic Matrix Composites Produced through Nanopowder Infiltration

Continuous fiber reinforced hafnium carbide ceramic matrix structural composites offer unique and advantageous physical properties including high strength, high melting temperature, oxidation resistance, fracture resistance, thermal stability, chemical stability, and low density. These features make ceramic matrix composites ideal for use in the military as well as in the aerospace, automotive, and energy industries. Unfortunately, the processes which are presently used to fabricate these composites require the use of complex and expensive capital equipment, lengthy processing times, and severe processing conditions resulting in high cost products for even simple shapes. An enabling technology which would simplify the existing processing routes would serve to broaden the existing market as well as introduce these composites into new applications. This program seeks to use nanomaterials-based technology to greatly reduce the cost and time which is required to fabricate net shape, high performance structural ceramic composites. During Phase I, NRC will demonstrate the proof of concept of the simplified and novel manufacturing process. Phase II will build on the Phase I success, optimize the process, build prototypes, and field test the technology. Phase III will commercialize the technology.