CERAMIC-MATRIX COMPOSITES - NON-BRITTLE MATERIALS FOR THERMOSTRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) consist of a ceramic matrix reinforced with ceramic fibers. They are fabricated according to liquid or gas phase routes. CMCs exhibit a non-brittle mechanical behavior when the fiber-matrix bonding has been properly optimized during processing. Their stress-strain curves recorded under tensile loading, are characterized by a non-linear domain which is related to various damaging phenomena. The mechanical behavior of CMCs can be degraded, when they are exposed for a long time at a high temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere. CMCs are potential materials for thermostructural applications (e.g. in engines and thermal protections).