CONTROLLED PARTICLE INJECTION IN FABRIC FOR IMPROVED MICROSTRUCTRE HOMOGENEITY IN CMCs

Abstract

A method for manufacturing ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and CMCs made by the method are disclosed. The method can be a manual process or an automated process, such as using a robotic system, that is used for controlled delivery of ceramic particles in a CMC fabric. The method includes identifying voids present between adjacent tows of the CMC fabric and dispensing ceramic particles into the voids. Applying the ceramic particles in the center of the voids reduces the size and volume fraction of the voids/defects, improving the homogeneity of surface texture of the preform, homogeneity of microstructure, and part model shape conformity. The method for manufacturing CMCs creates CMCs having a homogenous distribution of small pores after matrix formation that improves the interlaminar mechanical and thermal properties of the CMCs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.