Method to produce dense ceramic matrix composites

A method for making a ceramic matrix composite comprising infiltrating an initial ceramic matrix composite with a molten silicon infiltration material to form a silicon infiltrated composite;

• cooling the silicon infiltrated composite;
• performing a successive heating and cooling of a first portion and a second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite with a traveling heat zone comprising
• heating a first portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite to a temperature in excess of the melt temperature of the silicon infiltration material in the presence of a carbon source to form a heated first portion;
• cooling the heated first portion;
• heating a second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite to a temperature in excess of the melt temperature of the silicon infiltration material in the presence of a carbon source to form a heated second portion;
• and
• cooling the heated second portion to form a final ceramic matrix composite,
• wherein the first portion and the second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite are adjacent or overlap;
• wherein the successive heating and cooling of the first portion and the second portion of the cooled silicon infiltrated composite may be repeated;
• wherein successive cooling of the first heated portion and the second heated portion to form the final ceramic matrix composite provides crystallization of the silicon infiltration material.