Novel oxide fiber composites by freeze casting

A freeze casting process with gelatine as gelling agent is presented to manufacture novel oxide fiber composites. The growth of ice crystals causes an in situ densification of the green matrix when the composite is frozen after the lamination of 2D-fabrics. This freeze casting process leads to a porous matrix with a cellular morphology, showing no shrinkage during sintering. The porous structure is suitable for a subsequent infiltration with a precursor to densify the matrix. As the matrix is crack-free, the sintered composites have high mechanical properties. The processing is demonstrated by manufacturing laminated Nextel™610/YAG-ZrO2 oxide fiber composites.