Silicon Carbide Fibre for Ceramic Matrix Composites
topic
Silicon carbide fibres produced by polymer precursor pyrolysis of polycarbosilane at 1200 to 1400 degrees Celsius or by chemical vapour deposition of SiC onto carbon monofilament core achieve tensile strength of 2.8 to 3.4 gigapascals, elastic modulus of 180 to 420 gigapascals, and retained mechanical properties above 1200 degrees Celsius in oxidising atmospheres with oxidation-protective boron nitride fibre coatings.
Role
Enables the fabrication of ceramic matrix composite hot section components for next-generation gas turbine engines operating at temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius without active cooling, providing the unique combination of high-temperature strength, creep resistance, oxidation resistance, and fracture toughness that makes SiC-SiC CMC materials the enabling technology for higher efficiency and lower emission aircraft and power generation turbines.