Fiber ceramic structures based on liquid impregnation technique

Abstract For future reentry vehicles ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are very favorable materials for hot structures and thermal protection systems. This paper describes the fabrication and evaluation of CMC-components manufactured by the liquid impregnation technique. This process offers the potential for a low-cost CMC production for all components which can be fabricated by resin transfer molding (RTM) or other techniques for reinforcing polymers. The two main fabrication steps, the component shaping and the matrix conversion to ceramics, are described in detail. Experimental data on infiltration parameters as well as mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of the produced fiber ceramics were determined. Emphasis was given on manufacturing real components like panels with integrated stringers to demonstrate the feasibility of the process.