Fabrication of ultra high temperature ceramic matrix composites using a reactive melt infiltration process

Fiber reinforced composites containing a ZrB2 matrix are prepared by reactive melt infiltration, using a Zr based intermetallic compound. The reactive melt infiltration process is further characterized by determining the contact angle of the different melt and preform elements. Two different methods for boron powder impregnation of the preforms, which form ZrB2 during Zr2Cu melt infiltration, are evaluated. Degradation of fibers and different fiber coatings for Zr2Cu melt are evaluated and the microstructure of the infiltrated samples is investigated by means of XRD and SEM.