Electrophoretic deposition of ZrB2 and TiB2 on carbon fibers: A process for novel UD UHTCMCs

The development of a new generation of ceramic materials is a priority for enabling operations under extreme conditions (T>2000°C) in aerospace and energy applications. Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs), based on C or SiC matrix reinforced with carbon fibers (Cf) are attractive because of excellent mechanical properties but suffer from poor oxidation resistance from 1700°C onwards. Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) have melting point exceeding 3200°C and good ablation resistance, but suffer from poor fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance. UHT-CMCs represent a novel class of materials which can potentially couple the high ablation resistance of UHTCs and the damage tolerance of CMCs. The objective of the proposed joint project between ISTEC, CIRA and University of Colorado at Boulder is to understand the scientific underpinnings of rapid manufacturing of CMCs with UHTC matrix and its relationship to the properties of the fiber-matrix interface and oxidation/aerothermal behavior at high temperatures. Techniques investigated: flash pyrolisis (UCD), EPD (ISTEC)