Design, preparation and properties of non-oxide CMCs for application in engines and nuclear reactors: an overview

SiC-based ceramic matrix composites, consisting of carbon or SiC fibers embedded in a SiC-matrix, are tough ceramics when the fiber/matrix bonding is properly optimized through the use of a thin interphase. They are fabricated according to different processing routes (chemical vapor infiltration, polymer impregnation/pyrolysis, liquid silicon infiltration or slurry impregnation/hot pressing) each of them displaying advantages and drawbacks which are briefly discussed. SiC-matrix composites are highly tailorable materials in terms of fiber-type (carbon fibers of SiC-based fibers such as Si–C–O, SiC+C or quasi-stoichiometric SiC reinforcements), interphase (pyrocarbon or hexagonal BN, as well as (PyC–SiC)n or (BN–SiC)n multilayered interphases), matrix (simple SiC or matrices with improved oxidation resistance, such as self-healing matrices) and coatings (SiC or engineered multilayered coatings). The potential of SiC-matrix composites for application in advanced aerojet engines (after-burner hot section), gas turbine of electrical power/steam cogeneration (combustion chamber) and inner wall of the plasma chamber of nuclear fusion reaction, all of them corresponding to very severe conditions is discussed.