Process for producing ceramic composites from microcomposite particles having dispersed fibrous microstructures and the product thereof

Abstract

A process for producing toughened ceramic composites from ceramic precursor materials by forming microcomposite particles from the ceramic precursor materials to produce microstructures that impart enhanced toughness to the particles. The microcomposite particles are consolidated at a pressure, a temperature and for a time sufficient to form bulk ceramic components that exhibit the general microstructure and toughness of the microcomposite particles while the temperature is maintained above that where particle consolidation occurs but below the eutectic or melting temperature of the matrix. The consolidated product retains the toughness of the microcomposite particles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.