Progress of continuous fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites

In this paper, the recent developments of continuous fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites are reviewed. 3D-C/SiC and 3D-SiC/SiC composites were fabricated by CVI process. The microstructures and properties, such as strength, fracture behavior and characteristics, creep rate and durable life, oxidation, thermal shock and abrasive as well as the effect of non-process-faotors on them were investigated. The results indicate that 3D-C/SiC and 3D-SiC/SiC composites as well as their components with excellent properties could be obtained by removing the non-process-factors from the CVI process. The 3D-C/SiC and 3D-SiC/SiC thruster chambers were successfully tested in rocket engine.