Applications

Abstract

In this chapter we describe some of the commercial applications of ceramic matrix composites, emphasizing the salient requirements in each application and how they are met by specific CMCs. Let us recall that the main attributes of CMCs are: high strength and modulus, low density, capability of being used at high temperatures, and a greater toughness than that of monolithic ceramics. In order to drive home some of these advantages of CMCs, we present some examples. Some of the novel processing techniques described in Chapter 4 have been used very profitably to make CMCs in useful forms. Figure 11.1a shows ceramic matrix composite turbine blades made by sol-gel vacuum impregnation of fibrous preforms while Fig. 11.1b shows a filament wound tube made of CMC (Hyde, 1989). The characteristic of toughness or damage tolerance is depicted by hammering a nail through a CMC (Fig. 11.1c) while the ability to withstand high temperatures is shown by an oxyacetylene flame impinging on the wall of a tube made of CMC (Hyde, 1989).

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