Manufacturing of ceramic matrix composite using a hybrid process combining TiSi2 active filler infiltration and preceramic impregnation and pyrolysis

The manufacturing of silicon carbide reinforced ceramic matrix composites by a hybrid process is explored. Fibre preforms are infiltrated with TiSi2 powders using the slurry method. Using TiSi2 active filler leads to reduce the porosity by the subsequent formation of nitride phases after treatment under N2 atmosphere at low temperatures (≤1100 °C). Taking into account the influence of the specific surface area of the powder on the nitridation rate, it is shown that it is possible to produce nitrides TiN and Si3N4 at 1100 °C with an interesting volume expansion inside the composite. To complete the densification of the composite, a polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) process are performed with a liquid polymeric precursor. Characterizations of the composites show that mechanical properties are improved with the presence of the TiN and Si3N4 phases, and the number of PIP cycles.