Methods of forming ceramic matrix composites using sacrificial fibers and related products

A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) product comprising:

• forming a CMC preform comprising a slurry, the slurry comprising ceramic reinforcing fibers and sacrificial fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers have a diameter from about 125 μm to about 175 μm;
• removing the sacrificial fibers such that elongate channels are formed throughout the CMC preform;
• applying a fluid infiltrant to the CMC preform thereby densifying the CMC preform and forming the CMC product;
• and
• forming infiltrant veins in the CMC product, the infiltrant veins comprising unreacted infiltrant, wherein the unreacted infiltrant comprises free silicon and the free silicon is from about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume of the CMC product.