Hybrid Manufacturing Process of SiC/SiC Composite using Preceramic Polymer

Abstract

Continuous fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiCf/SiC) ceramic composites have been increasingly used due to their high temperature strength and graceful failure mechanisms. A disadvantage is the high cost and lengthy production processes that are required to develop these materials. Polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) is one of the most attractive fabrication processes for composites due to shape flexibility, mass production and relatively low cost; however, the quality of material obtained by this method has been considered insufficient due to the microstructure defects of the material obtained. This study investigated a hybrid of multiple polymer manufacturing processes to maximize quality of the SiCf/SiC composites while minimizing manufacturing time. The composites were laid up using a prepreg process then pressed and injected with a preceramic polymer at high pressures. The composite was then cured and pyrolyzed. This study investigated the effect of injection pressures and examines the effects on the composite physical properties and microstructure. The microstructure was evaluated by void density measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the pressurized resin injection produces better parts than vacuum assisted reinjection.

Meeting Name

Composites and Advanced Materials Expo 2015, CAMX 2015 (2015: Oct. 27-29, Dallas, TX)

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Manufacture; Microstructure; Pyrolysis; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicon carbide; High temperature strength; Injection pressures; Manufacturing process; Microstructure defects; Polymer infiltration and pyrolysis; Polymer manufacturing; Properties and microstructures; Quality of materials; Polymers

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2015 The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2015

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