Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Ceramic Matrix Composites: History
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Contributor: Eng Editorial Office

Ceramic matrix composites are multiphase materials in which a continuous ceramic matrix is reinforced with a dispersed second phase, usually in the form of fibers, whiskers, or particles, to overcome the inherent brittleness and low fracture toughness of monolithic ceramics [1]. The ceramic matrix—such as silicon carbide, alumina, silicon nitride, or a glass-ceramic—binds and protects the reinforcement, while the incorporated fibers or particles deflect cracks, bridge crack faces, promote fiber pull-out, and absorb fracture energy, raising toughness and damage tolerance relative to the unreinforced ceramic [2]. They are distinguished from monolithic ceramics and from metal and polymer matrix composites by the combination of a ceramic continuous phase with a ceramic or high-temperature reinforcement, which retains high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and hardness while mitigating catastrophic failure [1]. The defining principle is that the interface between matrix and reinforcement is engineered so that cracks are diverted and energy is dissipated rather than propagating catastrophically, and the mechanical behavior is governed by matrix reinforcement interaction, fiber-matrix bonding, and the resulting toughening mechanisms [2]. Their defining feature is a ceramic continuous phase toughened by a reinforcing second phase [3].

  • ceramic matrix
  • fiber reinforcement
  • fracture toughness
  • brittle matrix

Advanced materials and composites •  Mechanical Engineering •  Engineering •  Physical Sciences

References

  1. Krishan K. Chawla. Ceramic Matrix Composites; Springer Nature: Durham, NC, United States, 1998; pp. 212-251. [CrossRef]
  2. R. Naslain; Design, preparation and properties of non-oxide CMCs for application in engines and nuclear reactors: an overview. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2004, 64, 155-170, 10.1016/s0266-3538(03)00230-6.
  3. Chawla, K.K. Composite Materials: Science and Engineering, 3rd ed.; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 2012. ISBN: 9780387743653.
More
This entry is offline, you can click here to edit this entry!
Write an Entry