Self Healing, High Temperature Cpmposite Components

Ceracom will demonstrate innovative self healing carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (SiC) matrix ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials that will enable the deployment of oxidation and damage resistant components for hot sections of oxygen/fuel powered propulsion systems and hypersonic vehicle surfaces. Ceracom?s unique materials system design approach to oxidation protection and self healing behavior focuses on the entire system or component and not just a surface coating. The system level approach includes innovative new materials and micro-structures for the fiber-matrix interface, new mixed oxide glassy phase matrix modifiers that impart self healing behavior to the basic SiC based matrix and coating or impregnation materials that seal the composite from oxygen ingress at temperatures over 4000oF. Ceracom?s new self healing CMC materials include alloyed and combined particle inclusions in the matrix that form an array of mixed oxide glassy phases when exposed to oxygen. This glassy phase has a controlled viscosity for a wide range of temperatures and seals micro-cracks to prevent oxygen ingress. The combination of all these approaches enables the use of carbon fiber CMC?s in many long life applications that will be needed to meet program goals for NASA?s Gen 2 and Gen 3 programs.