Current status and development trend of laser processing of ceramic matrix composites

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are high-performance materials suited for advanced power electronics. However, their high hardness, brittleness, and anisotropy bring great challenges to their conventional machining. Non-contact, high-precision laser processing has become the preferred process for CMCs, with a large number of research results driving significant advances. This work describes the interaction mechanisms between laser and CMCs, lists the commonly used laser processing methods for CMCs and their hybrid processes, and illustrates the process principles and advantages. The effects of laser processing on the material properties of CMCs are discussed, and the generation and suppression methods for thermally induced such as the defects-heat-affected zone (HAZ), recast layer, crack, and laser effects on the surface microstructure are illustrated. Finally, the future development perspectives of the laser processing of CMCs are discussed in relation to the current research status.