Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for Aerospace Applications

Abstract

Ceramic materials have excellent properties, but are brittle and the strengths are highly variable. Particulate reinforcements give isotropic properties, but only marginal improvement in toughness. Continuous reinforcements improve the ceramic materials both in terms of fracture toughness as well as strength variability. The processing of ceramic matrix composites and improving the required properties with the available reinforcements is an emerging technology that is finding new critical applications.