Carbon-Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composites
topic
Carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites produced by liquid silicon infiltration of carbon-carbon preforms combine carbon fibre toughness with SiC matrix oxidation resistance, providing fracture toughness above 20 megapascals root metre, retained strength to 1400 degrees Celsius in oxidising atmosphere, and thermal conductivity of 15 to 40 watts per metre kelvin for aircraft brake disc and gas turbine hot section applications.
Role
Enables the ultra-high performance aircraft brake discs used in commercial and military aviation where C-SiC composite provides higher energy absorption capacity, lower weight, and better hot strength retention than steel brakes while enabling repeated high-energy stopping from maximum landing weight without risk of brake fade or fibre overtemperature that limits all-carbon brake disc performance.