SBIR Phase I: Ceramic Matrix Infiltration Process for Net-Shape Reinforcement YAG Preforms to Produce Cost-Effective High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low cost high temperature oxide ceramic composite for turbine blade application, with 1700C service temperature capability, excellent strength retention, creep resistance, high fracture toughness and isotropy. Tailored porosity structures have been fabricated with interconnected passages suitable for infusion with an oxide matrix for high strength composites. Sapphire/alumina chemically modified ceramics (CMC) have been tested at high temperatures and have shown three orders of magnitude better creep resistance than polycrystalline alumina composites. The solutions provided by this new technology for ceramic composites will address the serious cost/performance problems associated with current fiber based oxide ceramic composites. By elimination of high cost fiber and preforming steps, these oxide composites will cost orders of magnitude less than current state of the art oxide composites.