Low Cost Continuous Fiber Composite for Propulsion Applications

Continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites have the potential to out-perform and cost less than refractory metals such as rhenium for propulsion component such as nozzles and trust chambers. However, the performance and cost advantages of CFCC's have not been realized. Ceramic fibers are very expensive and do not have the required service temperature capability. Carbon fiber composite currently are fabricated from costly woven three dimensional preforms and require costly chemical vapor infiltration processing. A low cost fabrication approach and novel composite microstructure are proposed. The composite system utilizes carbon fiber and traditional ceramics and plastics fabrication technology. The objective of the Phase I program is to demonstrate the feasibility by fabrication of test specimens and screening characterization. In Phase II more complicated geometries will be fabricated and application oriented testing will be performed.