October 12, 2020 What are Ceramic Matrix Composites?

Axiom Materials processes ceramic matrix composites that withstand the toughest technological environments.

Without composite materials, new technology couldn’t exist as it does today. Thanks to the merging of alloys, ceramics, carbon fibers, and other durable materials, humanity can move forward at a rapid pace, developing technology that saves and improves lives every day. Ceramic matrix composites play an important role in these technological strides.

Ceramic matrix composites are strong, long-lasting materials used in several tech-filled industries. They have enough flexibility to find their place in many disparate types of machinery. Ceramic matrix composites gain their strength by doubling up on inorganic ceramic materials, implanting ceramic fibers into a ceramic matrix. The resulting composite material is stronger than either the ceramic fibers or the ceramic matrices on their own.

Ceramic matrix composites have several uses, advantages, and customization options, which is why we specialize in CMCs at Axiom. If you want to learn more about CMCs or if you need a new material supplier, then read on to find out how you can get started.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

Ceramic matrix composites are simple yet innovative materials with many possibilities. CMCs represent innovation, problem-solving, and getting the most out of available materials. Even better, they represent the ideal of simple solutions for complicated problems. For all the time and complication that various industries can save by using CMCs, these materials don’t come from an overly complex system. Their simplicity provides plenty of room for customization, which we’ll explore further in a moment.

Ceramic Matrix Composite Uses

Ceramic matrix composites have innumerable uses in engineering. Many sectors use CMCs in domains where other composite materials fall short. Those uses include space travel, energy production, medical usage, and many more. Because ceramic matrix composites are easily customizable, they open up possibilities across many entirely unrelated fields.

• In aircraft technology, CMCs are used for various parts, including engine valves, turbines, and turbo chargers.
• In aerospace technology, CMCs are often used for thermal protection during re-entry into the earth’s environment.
• In energy technology, CMCs can be used to build heat exchangers as well as fusion reactor walls.

How Ceramic Matrix Composites are Made

Ceramic matrix composites are made during an embedding process in which ceramic whiskers are placed into a ceramic matrix. Much of the strength of ceramic matrix composites comes from the processing techniques themselves, and there are a few processing techniques to choose from, depending on the manufacturer and the intended end use of the material. Most techniques involve a liquid or gas precursor around which the composite is built. The fiber materials receive a coating before going through a matrix slurry. The resulting composites are then embedded into the matrix.

Ceramic Matrix Composites from Axiom Materials

Ceramic composite materials are used for parts that demand a thermal performance up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Builders can use standard curing and layup processes for parts that have thermal needs up to 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. For parts that require higher temperatures, a free-standing high-temperature sinter cycle is all that these materials need for higher temperature preparation.

Uses

Ceramic matrix composite formulations are all woven prepregs. As such, they process more evenly than non-prepreg materials, meaning that there’s less room for the possibility of human error. Furthermore, they save time during the processing period.

These prepreg ceramic matrix composites have multiple uses. Our clients include engineers who work with the parts and materials listed below:

Aircraft Engine Components

In 2018, Courtney E. Howard of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) reported that by 2023, the aircraft industry was predicted to double its use of ceramic matrix composites in its engines. CMC’s ability to withstand high temperatures has a lot to do with the change, but the aircraft industry can take advantage of other CMC benefits. For example, CMCs are more lightweight than similar options, and they remove the need for air cooling mechanisms.

Ducting

Ceramic matrix composites can be used for ducting. They make an excellent ducting choice for the same reasons they make a good aircraft engine choice. Their high heat resistance means that hot airflow won’t harm the material, and the lightweight nature of the CMCs means less frustration during the building and carrying process.

Oil and Gas Tubing

Oil and gas tubing requires a high performance material, and ceramic matrix composites provide just the material to do the job. Just like with the aerospace engine factors described above, the biggest benefit of CMCs for oil and gas tubing is the fact that they provide more efficiency. The shape of CMCs, combined with the ability to handle higher temperatures, allows for a better flow.

Other Ceramic Matrix Composite Uses

You can find several other uses for ceramic matrix composites, including:

• Advanced energy
• Motorsports
• Thermal/fire barriers
• Exhaust components
• Refractory
• Furnace hardware
• Insulation

As you look at all of the different industries that use ceramic matrix composites, notice the importance of each one. There’s no room for CMC failure in any of the parts that use these materials. A single malfunction in any of these parts can cause serious complications, expensive repair needs, and worse. Engineers turn to ceramic matrix composites when they need a material that they can trust beyond the slightest doubt.

That’s why we put so much time, effort, and expertise into our product development here at Axiom Materials. It’s not just that our clients deserve the best, although we believe that they do. We also know just how crucial our ceramic matrix composites are for each of their uses. Every detail counts in these industries, and so does every second of research and customization.

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