| Abstract Scope |
High- and ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are essential materials in aerospace applications, primarily due to their high service temperature, oxidation resistance, and low ablation rate. The materials community is actively developing and utilizing numerous processing methods to synthesize dense, non-oxide composites. While techniques such as reactive melt infiltration (RMI), chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), and hot-pressing each offer advantages, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Ceramics Research Team has focused its efforts on advancing polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP)-based processing of CMCs. This presentation will provide an overview of AFRL's advancements in PIP-based CMCs, with a specific emphasis on processing CMCs using commercially available polycarbosilanes. A key focus will be a detailed discussion of the chemistry, processing, structure, and property relationships inherent in PIP-based CMCs. |