Process of producing ceramic matrix composites

TLDR: In this article, a process for producing a silicon-containing CMC article that exhibits improved physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties at elevated temperatures exceeding the melting point of silicon is described.

Abstract: A process for producing a silicon-containing CMC article (10) that exhibits improved physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties at elevated temperatures exceeding the melting point of silicon. The process entails producing a body containing a ceramic reinforcement material (14,16) in a solid matrix that comprises solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy and a ceramic matrix material (18). The ceramic matrix composite article (10) is produced by at least partially removing the solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy from the solid matrix and optionally reacting at least part of the solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy in the solid matrix to form one or more refractory materials. The solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy is sufficiently removed from the body to enable the ceramic matrix composite article (10) to structurally and chemically withstand temperatures above 1405°C.