Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite article comprising fiber-reinforced surface portions disposed on a ceramic core, the core differing in composition and high temperature properties from the surface portions and the fibers present in the surface portions being of a type normally subject to oxidative deterioration at high temperature, wherein the fibers in the surface portion are provided with protection from high temperature oxidative deterioration such that excellent strength and resistance to high temperature embrittlement are achieved for the composite as a whole.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing alkaline earth metal-containing ceramic materials by sol-gel processing is described, wherein a sol containing alkoxides or other soluble precursors for a selected ceramic composition, and additionally containing one or more dissolved alkaline earth metal/crown either complexes, is gelled, dried and fired to convert the precursors and complexes to a polycrystalline ceramic product. The crown ether complexes improve alkaline earth metal solubility and the homogeneous incorporation of these metals into the precursor gels and final crystalline products.

Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite articles comprising a ceramic, glass-ceramic or glass matrix and a fiber reinforcement phase disposed within the matrix consisting of amorphous or crystalline inorganic fibers, wherein there is provided, on or in close proximity to the surfaces of the inorganic fibers, a layer of sheet silicate crystals constituting a sheet silicate interface between the inorganic fibers and the ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic matrix. Optionally, the composition of the matrix may be the same as the sheet silicate interface so that the matrix provides the sheet silicate layer.

Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite articles comprising a ceramic, glass-ceramic or glass matrix and a fiber reinforcement phase disposed within the matrix consisting of amorphous or cyrstalline inorganic fibers, wherein there is provided, on or in close proximity to the surfaces of the inorganic fibers, a layer of sheet silicate crystals constituting a sheet silicate interface between the inorganic fibers and the ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic matrix. Optionally, the composition of the matrix may be the same as the sheet silicate interface so that the matrix provides the sheet silicate layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of laminated structures consisting essentially of a light weight interior member prepared from a glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic, an exterior member prepared from a glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic, and a bonding member prepared from a glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic. The light weight interior member may be composed of a porous body, a corrugated body, or a honeycomb body. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of said members is reinforced through the entrainment of ceramic fibers and/ or whiskers. In the most preferred embodiment, each exterior and interior member is reinforced through the entrainment of ceramic fibers and/or whiskers and the bonding member is reinforced through the entrainment of ceramic whiskers.