Continuous Ceramic Fibers Let CMCs and MMCs Take Off in Aerospace and Other Industries
Continuous ceramic fibers are anticipated to see a compound annual growth rate of more than 27% over the next 10 years. What's driving growth?
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and metal matrix composites (MMCs) are not new concepts, but they have yet to reach their potential. To date, a wide range of particles and whiskers have been used in these matrices, but the advantages have been questionable, applications limited, and manufacturing challenges difficult.
One of the most successful uses of CMCs to date is in brakes for aerospace, which have very high strength, durability, and heat resistance requirements. To include the silicon carbide (SiC) matrix into the network of short fibers, a gas infiltration method is used, but it takes multiple weeks to complete each part.