RTX Corporation
METHOD TO PRODUCE DENSE CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES

Abstract:

Disclosed is a method for making a ceramic matrix composite. The method includes infiltrating an initial ceramic matrix composite with a molten silicon infiltration material to form a silicon infiltrated composite; cooling the silicon infiltrated composite; heating a first portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite to a temperature in excess of the melt temperature of the silicon infiltration material in the presence of a carbon source; heating a second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite to a temperature in excess of the melt temperature of the silicon infiltration material in the presence of a carbon source after heating the first portion; and cooling the heated portions to form a final ceramic matrix composite, wherein the first portion and second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite are adjacent or overlap.