SOL-GEL PROCESSING OF FIBER-REINFORCED CERAMIC SHAPES

This paper reviews the current joint research programme between the School of Materials Science of the University of Bath and Ceramic Developments (Midlands) Ltd, Corby, into the manufacture of ceramic matrix composites by the sol-gel technique. Development of low shrinkage (<4%) sol-gel derived matrices has allowed near-net size and shape components to be fabricated by the use of conventional fibre-reinforced plastics technology such as filament winding, resin transfer and injection moulding. A processing route which involves freeze gelation to form a highly porous matrix which is subsequently densified by repeated pressureless liquid phase infiltration is outlined. Preliminary tests have yielded elastic moduli to 110 GPa and densities to 2.3 g/cm3 with Nextel fibre reinforcement. (C) 1993 The Institute of Materials.