Advanced polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) of SiOC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)

Wright, W. Jordan; Martinez, Marco C.; Unocic, Kinga A.; Curlin, Stephanie M.; Lance, Michael J.; Bullock, Steve E.; Mitchell, David J.; Cramer, Corson L.

doi:10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2025.117668

Advanced polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) of SiOC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)

Journal Article · Fri Jul 11 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Journal of the European Ceramic Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2025.117668· OSTI ID:2575335

^[1]; ^[1]; Unocic, Kinga A. ^[2]; Curlin, Stephanie M. ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[3]; ^[1]

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)
Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (United States)

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are valued for their high-temperature properties, making them ideal for harsh environments. However, conventional polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (C-PIP) often result in porous composites and require numerous cycles for densification. This study introduces the advanced PIP (A-PIP) method using a crosslinked polycarbosiloxane (PCS) precursor to enhance densification efficiency. Five SiC CMCs were fabricated using C-PIP and A-PIP, with variations in fiber reinforcement and fiber coatings. A-PIP achieved up to 19 % higher density and 78 % lower porosity in 79–86 % less processing time compared to C-PIP. Moreover, SiC-SiOC composites with boron nitride-coated fibers showed significant improvements in tensile strength (11 MPa to 134 MPa) and strain at maximum strength (0.01–0.11 %), underscoring the role of weak fiber-matrix interfaces. In conclusion, these results demonstrate A-PIP's potential to produce dense, low-porosity SiC CMCs more efficiently, significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Robocasting Enterprises, LLC, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725; EE0009405

OSTI ID:: 2575335

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 3000217

Journal Information:: Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Journal Name: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Journal Issue: 16 Vol. 45; ISSN 0955-2219

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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