Abstract: A CVI furnace is described in which single layer of a porous material or multiple layers of porous materials stacked in a module are loaded into a furnace. The modules are loaded into the furnace singularly or as multiple units stacked vertically or side by side. The modules can be moved through the furnace continuously or step-wise. The furnace comprises a separate CVI chamber. The porous material is heated and subjected to densification, thereby ensuring a dispersion of the reactant gas onto the porous material. A process of densifying a sheet of porous material is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure. The process comprises the steps of partially densifying a porous structure with a pressure gradient CVI/CVD process in which a first potion of the porous structure is subjected to greater pressure than a second portion of the porous structure. The process is suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities of aircraft brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: A gas preheater for use in a CVI/CVD furnace that receives a reactant gas from a gas inlet, comprising a sealed baffle structure disposed within the furnace. The sealed baffle structure has a baffle structure inlet and baffle structure outlet. A sealed duct structure is disposed within the furnace, said sealed duct structure being sealed around the gas inlet and said baffle structure such that substantially all of the reaction gas received from the gas inlet is directed to and forced to flow through said sealed baffle structure to said baffle structure outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in chemical vapor infiltration and deposition (CVI/CVD) processes. More specifically, the invention relates to a preheater for heating a reactant gas inside a CVI/CVD furnace, and a fixture for depositing a matrix within a stack of porous structures by a pressure gradient CVI/CVD process. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: Carbon/carbon composites including those structures formed from a fibrous reinforcement itself formed principally from carbon in a carbon matrix are protected against oxidation by multi-layer sealant system preferably including a multi-layer paint including in its carbonized binder refactory granules and inhibitor particles that form a moisture resistant, viscosity-stabilized borate glass when exposed to a high-temperature, oxidizing environment, and an outer ceramic shell formed by CVI/CVD in situ formation of boron carbide followed by silicon carbide. The paint is prepared by mixing finely divided powders of borate precursor compounds or borate glass frit and refractory granules with a carbon char yielding precursor binder such as phenolic resin or pitch which preferably produces a highly porous structure upon carbonization.

Abstract: A carbon and/or ceramic fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite threaded member including a core, a fiber containing thread-defining element bonded to the exterior of the core and a reinforcing fabric layer securing the thread-defining element to the core. The thread-defining element may be an integral part of a tubular braided reinforcing fabric or applied to the core prior to application of a reinforcing fabric layer. Externally and internally threaded members and methods for their manufacture are described.