An Improved Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide Process for SiC/SiC Composites

50776-98-I An Improved Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide Process for SiC/SiC Composites--TDA Research, Inc., 12345 West 52nd Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1916; (303) 940-2300 Mr. Jack Sibold, Principal Investigator Mr. John D. Wright, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82689 Amount: $75,000 Silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramics are being considered for structural applications in fusion reactors. There is a need for hermetic composites with higher thermal conductivity made from a cost effective process. This project will address this problem by using a modification of a commercial reaction bonded silicon carbide and chemical vapor infiltration to produce a SiC/SiC composite with a dense matrix. The objective is to develop a slurry infiltration reaction bonded silicon carbide matrix based on a commercial slip cast reaction bonded silicon carbide process. Matrix quality will be evaluated microscopically and by flexural strength testing. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful completion of the project will result in the production of dense SiC/SiC composites with improved density, thermal conductivity and hermeticity that is made by a low cost process. This project will provide a process for making structural components for fusion reactor applications as well as for other applications for advanced turbine engines, corrosion, erosion and high temperature applications._