Processing of Oxide/Oxide Composite Components for Efficient Energy Conversion Applications

An extensive experimental study was contacted for the fabrication of oxide fiber-reinforced oxide matrix composites with improved properties using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and low-pressure filtration (PF). Both mechanical properties and interlaminar shear strength of the composites were improved using optimized deposition parameters and ultra-fine sinter active boehmite powders as sintering additive. The final produced component is targeted for use at 1200 °C in an oxidising atmosphere and has shown very good tensile properties in unidirectional form (up to 1.2 G Pa) and 258 MPa in layered-composite form. Improved sinterability and stability at moderate temperatures ensures continued fibre integrity and matrix load translation efficiency resulting in high strength damage-tolerant CMCs. Interlaminar shear strength of 2-D composites plates is improved from 3 MPa to 7 MPa by the additions. This is a significant achievement as property variations in larger composite test specimens, mainly due to inter-laminar defects were effectively eliminated.