Abstract: A refractory porous fiber substrate is densified by forming a solid matrix deposit from a fluid composition containing a reagent fluid that is a precursor for the material of the solid deposit that is to be formed, together with an optional dilution fluid. The operation is performed at a temperature and a pressure that enable the reagent fluid and/or the optionally-present dilution fluid to be maintained in the supercritical state, while spontaneously and directly forming the solid deposit of the matrix, thereby enabling the duration of the process to be reduced considerably compared with conventional CVI methods.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material including a matrix reinforced by ceramic fibers which are derived by ceramization of an organometallic precursor. The method includes the steps of irradiating the ceramic fibers with electromagnetic radiation of wavelength less than or equal to the wavelength of x-rays, and then impregnating or infiltrating a preform made of the irradiated ceramic fibers with a matrix forming material to form the composite. The method provides fibers and hence a composite material with improved mechanical behavior.

Abstract: An armature in graphite constitutes a sealed structure oused with an inductor inside an enclosure, and defines a reaction chamber, connected outside the enclosure, with reactant gases supplying means; the enclosure is supplied with inert gas in order to keep a permanent flow of inert gas in the space surrounding the armature inside the enclosure, and the reactant products are removed from the reaction chamber and the inert gas from the enclosure by means of respective outlet pipes which join up outside the enclosure, so that substantially equal pressures are maintained in the enclosure, inside the outside the reaction chamber.