Abstract: A method of spreading fiber tows includes assembling a fibrous composite from a plurality of tows, applying an aqueous solution to the fibrous composite, freezing the fibrous composite after applying the aqueous solution, freeze drying the fibrous composite to remove water from the fibrous composite, and heating the fibrous composite after freeze drying to remove a cryoprotectant from the fibrous composite. The aqueous solution comprises water and the cryoprotectant and freezing the fibrous composite spreads filaments within the plurality of fiber tows.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic matrix composite component includes forming a ceramic matrix composite component by infiltrating an array of ceramic-based reinforcements with a ceramic-based matrix, applying filler particles to a surface of the ceramic matrix composite component such that the filler particles fill in gaps between adjacent ones of the ceramic-based reinforcements, and infiltrating the filler particles with a filler matrix. A ceramic matrix composite component is also disclosed.