Abstract: Methods of pressure assisted melt infiltration of fiber preforms are provided. The fiber preform is provided inside of a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel projects into a molten material contained in a crucible. The pressure vessel has an opening located below a surface of the molten material through which the molten material enters the pressure vessel. An end of the fiber preform contacts the molten material within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel and crucible are located in a furnace. The molten material is pulled within the pressure vessel by increasing a first pressure at a first port of the furnace so the first pressure is higher than a second pressure at a second port of the pressure vessel. The second port is located above the molten material located within the pressure vessel. The fiber preform is infiltrated with the molten material.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) is formed by infiltrating a metal or alloy into a fiber preform in a reactor or furnace that is separated into multiple discrete temperature zones. The gradual cooling of the CMC is controlled, such that upon solidification, a narrow, planar, solidification front is created which allows the expanding metal or alloy to move into a hotter section of the fiber preform, opposed to the surface of the CMC. A discrete solidification front is established that moves through the ceramic matrix composite (CMC) as the composite cools.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) is formed by infiltrating a metal or alloy into a fiber preform in a reactor or furnace that is separated into multiple discrete temperature zones. The gradual cooling of the CMC is controlled, such that upon solidification, a narrow, planar, solidification front is created which allows the expanding metal or alloy to move into a hotter section of the fiber preform, opposed to the surface of the CMC. A discrete solidification front is established that moves through the ceramic matrix composite (CMC) as the composite cools.