Comparative study of high temperature composites

Two classes of composite made using either ceramic matrix with high temperature fibers or carbon/carbon have been used for various applications that require high temperature resistance, over three decades. However, their use has been limited to special applications because of the high costs associated with fabrication. Typically the composites are cured at more than 1000°C, and in most instances the heating has also to be carried out in controlled environments. In addition, because of the high processing temperature, only certain type of expensive fibers can be used with the ceramic matrices. A recently developed inorganic matrix, called polysialate can be cured at temperatures less than 150°C, making it possible to use carbon and glass fibers. Composites made using carbon, glass and combinations of carbon and glass fibers have been tested in bending and tension. This paper presents the comparison of processing requirements and mechanical properties of carbon/carbon composites, ceramic matrix composites made with silicon carbide, silicon nitride and alumina fibers and carbon/polysialate composites. The results indicate that carbon/polysialate composite has mechanical properties comparable to both carbon/carbon and ceramic matrix composites at room and high temperatures. Since the polysialate composites are much less expensive, the authors believe that it has excellent potential for more applications in aerospace, automobile and naval structures.