Ceramic Matrix Composites for Aero Engine Applications—A Review

Abstract

Ceramic matrix materials have attracted great attention from researchers and industry due to their material properties. When used in engineering systems, and especially in aero-engine applications, they can result in reduced weight, higher temperature capability, and/or reduced cooling needs, each of which increases efficiency. This is where high-temperature ceramics have made considerable progress, and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are in the foreground. CMCs are classified into non-oxide and oxide-based ones. Both families have material types that have a high potential for use in high-temperature propulsion applications. The oxide materials discussed will focus on alumina and aluminosilicate/mullite base material families, whereas for non-oxides, carbon, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, and tungsten carbide CMC material families will be discussed and analyzed. Typical oxide-based ones are composed of an oxide fiber and oxide matrix (Ox-Ox). Some of the most common oxide subcategories are alumina, beryllia, ceria, and zirconia ceramics. On the other hand, the largest number of non-oxides are technical ceramics that are classified as inorganic, non-metallic materials. The most well-known non-oxide subcategories are carbides, borides, nitrides, and silicides. These matrix composites are used, for example, in combustion liners of gas turbine engines and exhaust nozzles. Until now, a thorough study on the available oxide and non-oxide-based CMCs for such applications has not been presented. This paper will focus on assessing a literature survey of the available oxide and non-oxide ceramic matrix composite materials in terms of mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the classification and fabrication methods of those CMCs. The available manufacturing and fabrication processes are reviewed and compared. Finally, the paper presents a research and development roadmap for increasing the maturity of these materials allowing for the wider adoption of aero-engine applications.

Recent trends in bone tissue engineering: a review of materials, methods, and structures

“…Ceramics are commonly known as non-metallic, inorganic solids containing non-directional covalent, ionic bonds formed at high temperatures, although no specific description has yet been introduced to this group of materials [96]. They can exist in different crystalline, semi-crystalline (vitroceramics), and non-crystalline forms.…”

“…Since osteoconduction can result from good bioactivity between ceramics and tissue while giving load-bearing properties to the scaffolds due to the high mechanical properties of ceramics, their applications in BTE are reviewed here [96]. Bioceramics, as a group of biocompatible materials, are divided into two subgroups: bioinert ceramics, including zirconium dioxide and alumina, and bioactive ceramics, such as HAp and titanium dioxide, as discussed in the following sections [98].…”

Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics Using Preceramic Polymers

“…Typically, reinforcement materials (also known as fillers) in CMCs have one or more superior properties than the matrix. Combining a ceramic matrix with fillers achieves enhanced properties that exceed those of the individual constituents alone [ 46 ]. CMCs can be classified according to the reinforcement material’s type and dimension/shape.…”

Fracture of all‐oxide ceramic composites: Crack path analysis by surface strain monitoring

“…In contrast, all-oxide ceramic composites (OCMC), as the widely used alumina-based ceramics, show improved oxidation resistance but a decrease of the mechanical properties above temperatures of 1200 • C, what is predominantly caused by a degradation of fiber properties. 3,4 OCMC often are designed following the weak matrix concept (WMC) to dissipate fracture energy in failure processes in the porous matrix. 5,6 This allows stronger fiber-matrix-interfaces in OCMC compared to non-oxide CMC, reducing the need for fiber coatings and subsequently reducing processing costs.…”

“…While nonoxide CMCs provide good mechanical performance at temperatures up to 1600°C, they tend to undergo oxidation embrittlement in combustion environments. In contrast, all‐oxide ceramic composites (OCMC), as the widely used alumina‐based ceramics, show improved oxidation resistance but a decrease of the mechanical properties above temperatures of 1200°C, what is predominantly caused by a degradation of fiber properties 3,4 . OCMC often are designed following the weak matrix concept (WMC) to dissipate fracture energy in failure processes in the porous matrix 5,6 .…”