Abstract: The application discloses and claims an oxidation resistant, continuous-fiber-reinforced ceramic composition, durable at temperatures above 1000° C., and capable of taking on any arbitrary near net shape formed without machining and tooling. The composition of the invention comprises a fine grained ceramic matrix which in turn comprises a mixture of a ZrB2 phase and a SiC phase with the matrix being reinforced with SiC or C or an oxide fiber, resulting in a fine grained ZrB2—SiC matrix with domain sizes ?0.5 ?m. The ZrB2 phase of the invention is capable of forming small microcrystalline domains ?0.5 ?m upon heat treatment. The composition the invention also comprises a fiber reinforced composite with a high degree of filling and densification of its preform resulting in a composition containing a low level of porosity and high fiber volume fraction.

Abstract: In a composite material part having a ceramic matrix and including a fibrous reinforcement which is densified by a matrix consisting of a plurality of ceramic layers having a crack-diverting matrix interphase positioned between two adjacent ceramic matrix layers, the interphase includes a first phase made of a material capable of promoting the diversion of a crack reaching the interphase according to a first propagation mode in the transverse direction through one of the two ceramic matrix layers adjacent to the interphase, such that the propagation of the crack continues according to a second propagation mode along the interphase, and a second phase consisting of discrete contact pads that are distributed within the interphase and capable of promoting the diversion of the crack that propagates along the interphase according to the second propagation mode, such that the propagation of the crack is diverted and continues according to the first propagation mode through the other ceramic matrix layer that is adj

Abstract: In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Constructional panel having a front side suitable to be exposed to outside weather conditions, comprising a front side element, a rear side element and an insulating material arranged between said front and rear side elements, where the front side element is made from a high strength concrete, and where the insulating material is adhered to the rear side of said front and rear side elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite with a ceramic matrix and a gradient layering of coating on ceramic fibers. The coating typically improves the performance of the composite in one direction while degrading it in another direction. For a SiC-SiC ceramic matrix composite, a BN coating is layered in a gradient fashion or in a step-wise fashion in different regions of the article comprising the ceramic. The BN coating thickness is applied over the ceramic fibers to produce varying desired physical properties by varying the coating thickness within differing regions of the composite, thereby tailoring the strength of the composite in the different regions. The coating may be applied as a single layer as a multi-layer coating to enhance the performance of the coating as the ceramic matrix is formed or infiltrated from precursor materials into a preform of the ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material includes carbon fibers, and a carbonaceous matrix. The carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material is integrally formed. The carbon fibers are a substantially linear fiber existing in a bare-fiber state within the carbonaceous matrix and having an average fiber length of less than about 1.0 mm. The carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material has a bulk density of about 1.2 g/cm3 or more.

Abstract: A refractory ceramic composite for an armor shell, comprising a ceramic core that is formable to replicate a portion of a three dimensional surface, e.g., of an aircraft, to provide ballistic protection. A method of making a shell of refractory ceramic armor capable of conforming to the geometry is provided. The shell is formed by forming a mold to replicate the surface area; arranging a ceramic core on the mold; and removing the mold to leave said ceramic core, and heat treating the ceramic core to a desired hardness. The ceramic core is in the shape of the surface area.

Abstract: A composite structure includes at least one resin matrix layer having a resin material and a plurality of fiber elements and a plurality of titanium particles provided in the resin material. A method of toughening a resin matrix layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material being excellent in heat conductivity is provided. In order to realize this, a fibrous carbon material made of fine tube form structures constituted with single-layer or multiple-layer graphene is present to form a plurality of layers within a substrate made from a spark plasma sintered body of a metal powder, a mixed powder of a metal and ceramics, or a ceramic powder. The fibrous carbon material constituting each layer is made of a mixture obtained by mixing a small amount of a small diameter fiber 2 having an average diameter of 100 nm or less with a large diameter fiber 1 having an average diameter of 500 nm to 100 ?m.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide composite bodies having a discontinuous graphite preform and at least one silicon-bearing metal alloy infiltrant. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for producing such composite bodies. The metal alloy is preferably comprised of aluminum, copper, or magnesium, or combinations thereof. Certain preferred embodiments provide at least one aluminum alloy having from about 5% silicon to about 30% silicon, more preferably from about 11% to about 13% silicon, as an alloying element. Certain presently preferred embodiments provide an aluminum-silicon eutectic composition having about 12.5% silicon. Embodiments of the invention provide composite materials be “tuned” to more closely match thermal expansion characteristics of a number of semiconductor or integrated circuit materials such as, but not limited to, silicon, alumina, aluminum nitride, gallium nitride, and gallium arsenide while also providing high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Plastic composite material made up of a polymer matrix with a concentration of a nanofiber material and with a concentration of graphite-based particles. The matrix additionally contains at least one inorganic filler in the form of silicate-based particles or in the form of glass particles.

Abstract: Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.

Abstract: A high-purity carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite includes a matrix, a carbon fiber, and sulfur. The matrix includes a crystalline carbon-based powder and glassy carbon. A content of sulfur in the high-purity carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite is 5 ppm by mass or less.

Abstract: A ceramic composite article includes ceramic reinforcement fibers each having an outer surface and a continuous zinc oxide coating disposed on the ceramic reinforcement fibers and in contact with the outer surfaces.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-temperature heat-resistant composite material by combining a mixture of submicron alumina powder and submicron silica powder, wherein the ratio of alumina to silica is from about 4:1 to about 5:1, submicron Group II metal oxide powder, and a Group I metal silicate solution to form a slurry, wherein the weight of the Group II metal oxide powder is an amount corresponding to about 5% to about 10% of the weight of the silicate solution; contacting reinforcing high-temperature resistant fibers with the slurry to form a composite precursor composition; and curing the composition at a temperature sufficient to produce the high-temperature heat-resistant composite material capable of resisting temperatures up to about 1400° C. Composite materials prepared according to the method and articles incorporating the material are also presented.

Abstract: A carbon fiber composite sheet obtained by combining a carbon fiber aggregate with a thermosetting resin component selected from the group consisting of thermosetting silicone-based gel components, thermosetting epoxy resin components and thermosetting silicone resin components, and then curing the thermosetting resin component, the carbon fiber composite sheet having crystallite sizes of at least 5 nm in the direction of growth of the hexagonal mesh surface of the carbon fibers composing the carbon fiber aggregate, and the carbon fiber composite sheet having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 W/(m·K).

Abstract: A composite includes a matrix material and a unidirectional array of carbon nanotube-infused fibers disposed in a portion of the matrix material. An article includes this composite and a network of electrodes disposed about the periphery of the composite. The electrodes send and receive an electrical charge. Such an article is included in a system, along with sensing circuitry and a source for supplying current to the network of electrodes. Such a system is used in a method that includes subjecting the article to a load that causes a condition in the composite including strain, fatigue, damage, or cracks, and monitoring the location of the condition.

Abstract: To obtain a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material exhibiting excellent thermal conductivity in every direction in the plane containing the X and Y axes. A carbon fiber-carbon composite formed body in which a number of sheet-like dispersions containing pitch-based carbon fibers dispersed therein randomly in the plane containing the X and Y axes are laminated into a carbon fiber laminate, and pyrolytic carbon is deposited on the surfaces of the carbon fibers of the carbon fiber laminate to coat around the carbon fibers, whereby the carbon fiber laminate is filled with the pyrolytic carbon, and a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material obtained using the carbon fiber-carbon composite formed body.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of composite structures comprising a fibrous material, a matrix resin composition and a portion made of a surface resin composition, wherein the compositions are chosen from compositions comprising one or more fully aliphatic polyamides and one or more polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: Spark plug devices are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nacelles and nacelle components for use in aircraft engines. The nacelles and components comprise composite material containing carbon fiber. The carbon fiber comprises from 0.1 to 20 percent by weight nanoreinforcement material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric material having an anisotropic shape and comprising multiple cavities, wherein said cavities comprise a functional liquid. The invention also relates to a process of making the polymeric material from an emulsion of a functional liquid with a polymer in solution, in the melt or a polymer precursor which reacts to obtain the polymeric material having cavities filled with functional liquid.

Abstract: Prefabricated, lightweight, modular, concrete structures, such as columns and a variety of end caps, have a strong, chip resistant surface exhibiting ornamental designs that include projections and impressions. The high strength of the surface layer is due to reinforcement of the concrete with alkali resistant short length (0.125-0.25 inch) glass fibers that allow replication of fine surface details in the column surface. The surface layer is supported by a second glass fiber reinforced concrete layer that incorporates long length (0.5-1.5 inch) alkali resistant glass fibers. In combination, the first and second layers are about 0.25 to 0.5 inches thick, and the lightweight column is readily handled by forklift trucks or economically transported on flat bed trucks without surface chipping or breakage. The modular concrete structures include concrete columns, end caps and arches, as well as other geometrically decorative assemblies.

Abstract: A carbon-fiber-reinforced SiC composite having a high tensile strength is produced by impregnating a carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon composite with melted metal Si. The carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon composite includes carbon fibers that are pitch-based short carbon fibers. The pitch-based short carbon fibers are oriented in two-dimensional random directions. The carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon composite has a bulk density of 1.2 to 1.7 g/cm3, a porosity of 15 to 40 vol %, and a carbon fiber volume content of 20 to 50 vol %.

Abstract: A transparent reinforced composite material. An illustrative embodiment of the reinforced composite material includes a polymeric matrix, at least one low-density region including a first plurality of glass elements having a first packing density provided in the polymeric matrix and at least one high-density region including a second plurality of glass elements having a second packing density greater than the first packing density provided in the polymeric matrix. A method for reinforcing a composite material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The synthesis of nanostructures uses a catalyst that may be in the form of a thin film layer on a substrate. Precursor compounds are selected for low boiling point or already exist in gaseous form. Nanostructures are capable of synthesis with a masked substrate to form patterned nanostructure growth. The techniques further include forming metal nanoparticles with sizes <10 nm and with a narrow size distribution. Metallic nanoparticles have been shown to possess enhanced catalytic properties. The process may include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit Ni, Pt, and/or Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of SiO2, SiC, and GaN nanowires. A nanostructure sample can be coated with metallic nanoparticles in approximately 5-7 minutes. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled through appropriate control of temperature and pressure during the process. The coated nanowires have application as gas and aqueous sensors and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.

Abstract: A composite material according to the present invention includes: a fiber fabric (2) composed of certain fibers; and a matrix (3) which is so formed as to adhere to the fiber fabric (2). The fiber fabric (2) contains main constitutional fibers (21) and auxiliary fibers (22) which compensate the characteristics of the main constitutional fibers (21) when they are exposed to a high temperature atmosphere.

Abstract: A composite material being excellent in heat conductivity is provided. In order to realize this, a fibrous carbon material made of fine tube form structures constituted with single-layer or multiple-layer graphene is present to form a plurality of layers within a substrate made from a spark plasma sintered body of a metal powder, a mixed powder of a metal and ceramics, or a ceramic powder. The fibrous carbon material constituting each layer is made of a mixture obtained by mixing a small amount of a small diameter fiber 2 having an average diameter of 100 nm or less with a large diameter fiber 1 having an average diameter of 500 nm to 100 ?m.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a laminated composite and methods of making the same. The laminated composite includes a plurality of stacked prepregs having an interface formed between each pair of adjacent prepregs. Each prepreg includes a matrix material and reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. At least one fibrous veil is laminated to at least a portion of at least one of the interfaces, the at least one fibrous veil having graphite nano-platelets attached to at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure 10 and method for fabricating such an structure are provided. A CMC substrate 12 includes layers 16, 18, 20 of ceramic fibers. Fugitive objects 22 are disposed on at least one of the plurality of layers prior to laying a subsequent layer of ceramic fibers. An outer surface of the subsequent layer influences a shape of the outer surface of the substrate by defining protuberances 24 on the outer surface of the substrate where respective cavities 26 are formed beneath respective protuberances upon dissipation of the fugitives. A liquefied ceramic coating 34 is deposited on the outer surface of the ceramic substrate to fill the cavities. When the ceramic coating is cured to a solidified state, the cavities containing the solidified coating constitute an anchoring arrangement between the ceramic substrate and the ceramic coating.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith processing techniques to fabricate multifunctional structures capable of performing more than one discrete function such as structures capable of bearing structural loads and mechanical stresses in service and also capable of performing at least one additional non-structural function.

Abstract: A shaped composite material for braking applications can be produced by a method comprising the steps of: a) providing a mixture comprising bundles of filaments constituted substantially by carbon and having lengths no greater than 30 mm and an organic binder in a mould of the said shape and, at the same time, incorporating in the mixture a plurality of reinforcing fibres which extend along the shape in a manner such as to prevent the propagation of cracks, b) forming the mixture comprising the reinforcing fibres to produce a semi-finished product, c) subjecting the semi-finished product to a first firing at a temperature such as substantially to bring about pyrolysis of the organic binder and to a second firing in the presence of silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced composite material and a method for manufacturing the same, and also relates to a transparent multilayered sheet, a circuit board, and an optical waveguide.

Abstract: To provide a carbon fiber reinforcement having excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties which is manufactured by mixing together two different types of pitch-based carbon short fibers having a ratio of the degree of filament diameter distribution to average fiber diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 and a fiber length of 20 to 6,000 ?m which differ from each other in average fiber diameter or by mixing one of them with a pitch-based carbon fiber web to improve dispersibility into a matrix resin or increase the dispersion ratio of the pitch-based carbon short fibers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a composite structure fabricated from at least one pre-cured flat face sheet applied to a core with an adhesive. Once the pre-cured flat face sheet is applied to the core, curing of the adhesive may take place to bond the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core. Before the bonding of the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core takes place, the pre-cured flat face sheet may be prepared by separately curing a composite face sheet.

Abstract: The method comprises: using chemical vapor infiltration to form a first continuous interphase on the fibers of a fiber structure made of refractory fibers, the interphase having a thickness of no more than 100 nanometers; impregnating the fiber structure with a consolidation composition comprising a carbon or ceramic precursor resin; forming a fiber preform that is consolidated by shaping the impregnated fiber structure and using pyrolysis to transform the resin into a discontinuous solid residue of carbon or ceramic; using chemical vapor infiltration to form a second continuous interphase layer; and densifying the preform with a refractory matrix. This preserves the capacity of the fiber structure to deform so as to enable a fiber preform to be obtained that is of complex shape, while nevertheless guaranteeing the presence of a continuous interphase between the fibers and the matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a substrate; the substrate comprising a ceramic or a ceramic matrix composite; and a layer comprising coarse particles disposed upon the substrate; the coarse particles having an average particle size of 0.1 to about 1000 micrometers. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising disposing coarse particles on a substrate; the substrate comprising a ceramic or a ceramic matrix composite; the coarse particles having an average particle size of 0.1 to about 1000 micrometers.

Abstract: A composite board having a top surface, a core, and a bottom surface includes a polymeric material and a plurality of particles contacting the polymeric material to form a mixture. The weight percentage of the particles is greater than the weight percentage of the matrix material in the composite board. The volume of the plurality of particles range from 25% by volume to 88% by volume of the composite board. The composite board has a density in the range from 0.38 g/cm3 to 2.2 g/cm3. The top surface, the core, and the bottom surface are substantially comprised of the mixture.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite with a ceramic matrix and a gradient layering of coating on ceramic fibers. The coating typically improves the performance of the composite in one direction while degrading it in another direction. For a SiC-SiC ceramic matrix composite, a BN coating is layered in a gradient fashion or in a step-wise fashion in different regions of the article comprising the ceramic. The BN coating thickness is applied over the ceramic fibers to produce varying desired physical properties by varying the coating thickness within differing regions of the composite, thereby tailoring the strength of the composite in the different regions. The coating may be applied as a single layer as a multi-layer coating to enhance the performance of the coating as the ceramic matrix is formed or infiltrated from precursor materials into a preform of the ceramic fibers.

Abstract: Small ceramic particles (e.g., of TiC) are incorporated into fibers. The ceramic particles enhance the friction and/or wear properties of a carbon-carbon composite article made with the impregnated or coated fibers. The impregnated fibers can be, e.g., polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, pitch fibers, and other such fibers as are commonly employed in the manufacture of C-C friction materials. The impregnated fibers can be used to make woven, nonwoven, or random fiber preforms or in other known preform types. Preferred products are brake discs and other components of braking systems. The particles may be included in the fibers by mixing them with the resin employed to make the fibers and/or by applying them to the surfaces of the fibers in a binder.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, porous ceramic composite (PCC) film useful as a separator for a molten-salt thermal battery comprises 50% to 95% by weight of electrically non-conductive ceramic fibers comprising a coating of magnesium oxide on the surface of the fibers in an amount in the range of 5% to 50% by weight. The ceramic fibers comprise Al2O3, AlSiO2, BN, AlN, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing; and the magnesium oxide coating interconnects the ceramic fibers providing a porous network of magnesium oxide-coated fibers having a porosity of not less than 50% by volume. The pores of the film optionally can include a solid electrolyte salt. A laminated electrode/PCC film combination is also provided, as well as a thermal battery cell comprising the PCC film as a separator.

Abstract: An armor system has a hardened strike panel and a backing panel. The strike panel utilizes common hard materials such as granite, hardened concrete or ceramic tile. The backing panel utilizes reinforcement materials having high strength and stiffness to provide support to the strike panel upon impact of a projectile. A reinforcement product marketed under the trade name Hardwire™ is used in some embodiments. This reinforcement material has wire strand cords extending through a support layer that may be molded and provides superior strength to weight ratios. The backing panel also may utilize a core material with a reinforcement layer or layers attached to each face in a preferred embodiment. Staples may extend through the layers to provide additional resistance against delamination.

Abstract: An exemplary morphable ceramic composite structure includes a flexible ceramic composite skin and a truss structure attached to the skin. The truss structure can morph shape of the skin from a first shape to a second shape that is different than the first shape. The flexible ceramic composite skin may include a single-layer of three-dimensional woven fabric fibers and a ceramic matrix composite. The truss structure may include at least one actuatable element or an actuator may move a portion of the truss structure from a first position to a second position. A cooling component may be disposed in thermal communication with the skin. The cooling component may include thermal insulation or a cooling system that circulates cooling fluid in thermal communication with the skin. The morphable ceramic composite structure may be incorporated into any of an air inlet, combustor, exhaust nozzle, or control surfaces of a hypersonic aircraft.

Abstract: A manufacturing method by which alumina-silica based fibers excellent in mechanical strength can be readily and securely obtained. The method obtains precursor fibers as a material by using an alumina-silica based fiber spinning stock solution for use in an inorganic salt method. Next, the precursor fibers are heated under an environment which makes it difficult to carry out an oxidizing reaction on the carbon component contained in the precursor fibers. Thus, the precursor fibers are sintered to obtain alumina-silica based fibers.

Abstract: Insulation materials suited to high temperature applications, such as the insulation of furnaces, are formed from a mixture of pitch carbon fibers, such as isotropic pitch carbon fibers, and a binder comprising a solution of sugar in water. The sugar solution is preferably at a concentration of from 20-60% sucrose to yield a low density material having high flexural strength and low thermal conductivity when carbonized to a temperature of about 1800° C.