Abstract: A method of drying plastically deformable metal structures using high frequency energy in a frequency range greater than 10 MHz. The highly efficient drying of the invention is accomplished by shielding the structure from the electrodes using a material whose dielectric constant is greater than that of air.

Abstract: A method for making a ceramic matrix composite article wherein a dispersion of a ceramic matrix powder in a wax-containing thermoplastic vehicle is applied to an inorganic fiber reinforcement material to form a prepreg material such as a prepreg tow, and the tow is collected and formed into a preform for the article which is then subjected to binder burnout and consolidation, wherein the prepreg material is heated to a temperature sufficient to evaporate at least about 50% by weight of the wax component therefrom prior to the collection and forming of the material into the preform.

Abstract: An improved method for the fabrication of lightweight ceramic matrix composite panels, utilizing pressure forming with floating tooling to shape integral stiffeners such as raised integral surface channels on panel surfaces. The consolidation of green composite material against refractory floating tools by hot hydrostatic or isostatic (gas) pressing, followed by removal of the tooling, yields a strong, rigid, yet lightweight ceramic structure.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite articles of complex shape are made with improved physical integrity and control over fiber alignment by a process wherein prepreg comprising fibers and powdered matrix is treated to shorten the average length of the fibers, then configured without binder removal into a preform of selected shape and fiber orientation, and finally consolidated with heat and pressure into a dense ceramic matrix composite article. Fiber breakage during the consolidation process is thereby avoided.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite articles are fabricated by combining inorganic reinforcing fibers with dispersions of powdered ceramic matrix materials in organic vehicles which are thermoplastic solids. The dispersions are solid at room temperature, and are melted and combined with the fibers as heated liquid dispersions. Following application to the fibers, the thermoplastic dispersions are solidified by simple cooling; no solvent removal or drying step is required.