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Ceramic matrix composites are composite materials with ceramic fibers in a high temperature matrix of ceramic or glass-ceramic. This emerging class of materials is viewed as enabling for efficiency improvements in many energy conversion systems. The key controlling property of ceramic matrix composites is a relatively weak interface between the matrix and the fiber that aids crack deflection and fiber pullout resulting in greatly increased toughness over monolithic ceramics. United Technologies Research Center has been investigating glass-ceramic composite systems as a tool to understand processing effects on material performance related to the performance of the weak interface. Changes in the interface have been shown to affect the mechanical performance observed in flexural testing and subsequent microstructural investigations have confirmed the performance (or lack thereof) of the interface coating. Recently, the addition of acoustic emission testing during flexural testing has aided the understanding of the characteristics of the interface and its performance. The acoustic emission onset stress changes with strength and toughness and this could be a quality tool in screening the material before further development and use. The results of testing and analysis will be shown and additional material from other ceramic matrix composite systems may be included to show trends.

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Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are required for applications of silicon nitride (Si3N4) and silicon carbide (SiC) based materials in gas turbine engines because of the accelerated oxidation of Si3N4 and SiC and subsequent volatilization of silica in the high temperature high-pressure steam environment. EBC systems for silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiC/SiC CMC’s) were first developed and have been demonstrated via long-term engine tests. Recently, studies have been carried out at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) to understand the temperature capability of the current celsian-based EBC systems and its suitability for silicon nitride ceramics concerning thermal expansion mismatch between the EBC coating and silicon nitride substrates. This paper will present recent progress in improving the temperature capability of the celsian –based EBC systems and discuss their effectiveness for silicon nitride.