Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) includes the steps of (a) providing a woven or braided cloth reinforced with fibers; (b) coating the fibers with a ceramics material; (c) immersing the preform into a colloidal suspension of carbon black in water; (d) removing the preform from the suspension, placing the preform in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the chamber until the slurry begins to boil or foam; and (e) releasing the vacuum and withdrawing the preform.

Abstract: A method of infiltrating a porous fiber preform with ceramic particulates includes (a) flowing a slurry having a first predetermined percent solids by weight of ceramic particulates through the porous fiber preform; (b) increasing the percent solids by weight of ceramic particulates in said slurry to a second predetermined percent and otherwise repeating step (a); and (c) increasing the percent solids by weight of ceramic particulates in the slurry to a third predetermined percent solids by weight of ceramic particulates and otherwise repeating step (a).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling preforms with resin or slurry includes a tank for holding the slurry and an autoclave for holding the preforms. The tank and autoclave have a common vacuum system connected thereto, and the tank is disposed above the autoclave. This arrangement provides a compact casting system which utilizes a vacuum and gravity to transfer slurry from the tank to the preforms within the autoclave.