Machining of Ceramic Matrix Composites

Carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic matrix composites have many excellent physical and mechanical properties, such as high specific strength, hardness, and fracture toughness compared to their matrix, and they also possess good performance in wear, heat and ablation resistance and dimensional stability. They are an ideal choice for thermal protection and high-temperature structural materials. However, their characteristics of high hardness and abrasive nature make these materials difficult to machine, which limits their large-scale industrial application. This chapter reviews research on the machining of carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic matrix composites, including conventional and unconventional machining processes. The problems arising with various machining methods and possible solutions are discussed.