Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. The getterer material(s) may form at least one compound which acts as a passivation layer, and/or is able to move by bulk transport (e.g., by viscous flow as a glassy material) to a crack, and sealing the crack, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. The getterer materials) may form at least one compound which acts as a passivation layer, and/or is able to move by bulk transport (e.g., by viscous flow as a glassy material) to a crack, and sealing the crack, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body.

Abstract: Coated ceramic filler materials comprised of ceramic particles, fibers, whiskers, etc. having at least two substantially continuous coatings thereon are provided. The coatings are selected so that the interfacial shear strength between the ceramic filler material and the first coating, between coatings, or between the outer coating and the surrounding matrix material, are not equal so as to permit debonding and pull-our when fracture occurs. The resultant, multi-coated ceramic filler materials may be employed to provide composites, especially ceramic matrix composites, with increased fracture toughness. The ceramic filler materials are designed to be particularly compatible with ceramic matrices formed by directed oxidation of precursor metals, but such ceramic filler materials are also adaptable for use in many other composite material systems.In a preferred embodiment, the coatings are applied to the ceramic fiber plies or preforms by CVD.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a self-supporting porous ceramic composite body and to methods for producing such articles to net or near net shape, which bodies exhibit superior thermal and mechanical properties. The invention also relates to the manufacture of ceramic-metal or ceramic-ceramic macrocomposite bodies which have the porous ceramic articles incorporated therein or thereon.