Smooth surface ceramic composites

A method of making a smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite, comprising:

• providing a fiber preform, the preform having a surface containing voids;
• placing fibers into the voids;
• coating the preform fibers and the void fibers with a first coating material to create a weak interface;
• coating the preform fibers and the void fibers with a second coating material to create a second coating of substantially uniform thickness on the fibers and form strongly bonded networks within the voids;
• and
• infiltrating the networks and coated fibers with a matrix material to infill the voids and preform.

A smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite, comprising:

• a fiber preform, the preform having a surface containing voids;
• void fibers in the voids;
• a coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers creating a weak interface;
• and
• a matrix material within the coated fibers and the preform to infill the voids and preform, and form strongly bonded networks within the voids.

A smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite, comprising:

• a fiber preform, the preform having a surface containing voids;
• void fibers in the voids;
• a first coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers, creating a weak interface;
• a second coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers, creating a second coating of substantially uniform thickness on the fibers and forming strongly bonded networks within the voids;
• and
• a matrix material within the coated fibers and the preform to infill the voids and preform.