Abstract: A manufacturing method for a ceramic matrix composite, having a woven fabric that has multiple fiber bundles and having a matrix that is disposed in the gaps between the fiber bundles, includes: a green body formation step for forming a green body by sintering the woven fabric infiltrated with a polymer that is a precursor to the matrix; and a densification step for further infiltrating the green body with a polymer and sintering same. The densification step includes: a second infiltration step for further infiltrating the green body with a polymer so as to form an infiltrated green body; a drying step for drying the infiltrated green body so as to form a dried green body; a steam treatment step for leaving the dried green body under saturation water vapor pressure so as to form a treated green body; and a sintering step for sintering the treated green body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crucible for melting and casting a metal fuel, which includes a reaction preventing layer including: LaYO3; or ZrO2 containing a Y2O3 stabilizer at 5 to 10 wt %, and a method of melting and casting a metal fuel using the same.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fibrous preform filled with particles, includes forming the filled preform by compacting a stack of a plurality of fibrous strata impregnated by a suspension of ceramic oxide particles in a liquid medium, wherein the liquid medium includes at least one compound having a saturated vapor pressure of less than 2.3 kPa at 20° C., this compound being present in a weight content of greater than or equal to 30% relative to the total weight of the suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fiber-reinforced composite materials with an ultra-refractory, high tenacity, high ablation resistant matrix with self-healing properties, prepared from highly sinterable slurries. The composite material is produced using techniques of infiltration and drying at ambient pressure or under vacuum, and consolidated by sintering with or without the application of gas or mechanical pressure.

Abstract: Fire protective compositions include colloidal silica solids, clay, a low biopersistence fiber or refractory ceramic fiber, water, and optionally a chelating agent. Methods of using the fire protective compositions include providing a polymeric foam substrate, applying the fire protective composition on the polymeric foam substrate, and allowing the fire protective composition to dry.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material part, the method including making a consolidated fiber preform, the fibers of the preform being carbon or ceramic fibers and being coated with an interphase; obtaining a consolidated and partially densified fiber preform, the partial densification comprising using chemical vapor infiltration to form a first matrix phase on the interphase; and continuing densification of the fiber preform by infiltrating an infiltration composition containing at least silicon and at least one other element suitable for lowering the melting temperature of the infiltration composition to a temperature less than or equal to 1150° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind turbine, which comprises a rotatable structure being coupled to a hub of the wind turbine and to a generator rotor comprising a brake disc, a stationary structure being coupled to a generator stator and comprising a stator frame and a safety bearing element. The rotatable structure is rotatably coupled to the stationary structure, wherein the stator frame comprises a brake mounting section to which a calliper brake is mountable such that the brake disc is breakable by the mounted calliper brake. The safety bearing element is mounted to the brake mounting section such that the brake disc is in slidable contact with the safety bearing element if a distance between the brake mounting section and the brake disc is reduced below a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroxyapatite multi-substituted with, physiologically compatible ion species and to its biohybrid composite with a natural and/or synthetic polymer, which are useful in the preparation of a biomimetic bone substitute for treating bone tissue defects. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for their preparation and uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite material, wherein carbon nanotubes are formed in the composite material, and then metal silicon is melted and infiltrated into the composite material, so the amount of unreacted metal is reduced and the strength of the composite material is improved, and provides a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite material prepared by the method.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a carbon fiber-reinforced article includes providing carbon fibers that have surfaces that include an initial interfacial bonding strength capacity with respect to bonding with boron nitride. The surfaces are then modified to reduce the initial interfacial bonding strength capacity. A layer of boron nitride is then deposited on the modified surfaces and the carbon fibers are then embedded in a ceramic matrix. A carbon fiber-reinforced article includes the carbon fibers, the layer of boron nitride on the surfaces of the carbon fibers, and the ceramic matrix. The article exhibits non-brittle fracture.

Abstract: An expandable refractory for high temperature sealing, the expandable refractory includes un-expanded vermiculite and one or more mixtures of ceramic fibers in a water based refractory binder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel graphene-reinforced ceramic composites and methods for making such composite materials.

Abstract: Provided are a holding material for a gas treatment device, which is inexpensive, has a simple structure, and exhibits high holding force, a gas treatment device, and a method for manufacturing the same. A holding material for a gas treatment device according to the present invention is a holding material, which is a holding material to be arranged, in a gas treatment device including a treatment structure and a casing for housing the treatment structure, between the treatment structure and the casing, the holding material including silica fibers and an alumina sol in an amount of 3 parts by mass or more in terms of a solid content with respect to 100 parts by mass of the silica fibers.

Abstract: Methods of producing silicon carbide fibers. The method comprises reacting a continuous carbon fiber material and a silicon-containing gas in a reaction chamber at a temperature ranging from approximately 1500° C. to approximately 2000° C. A partial pressure of oxygen in the reaction chamber is maintained at less than approximately 1.01×102 Pascal to produce continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers. Continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers and articles formed from the continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A material composed of a large fraction of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and strontium aluminate.

Abstract: Hardness, ageing resistance, wetting behavior in relating to water and high thermal conductivity are known characteristics of sintered molded bodies consisting of aluminum oxide; high strength and a high resistance to cracking, i.e., damage tolerance are known characteristics of sintered molded bodies consisting of zirconium oxide. These properties are combined in a material having a large fraction of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and optionally strontium aluminate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a plurality of fibers from (e.g., CVD) precursors, including a reactor adapted to grow a plurality of individual fibers; and a plurality of independently controllable lasers, each laser of the plurality of lasers growing a respective fiber. A high performance fiber (HPF) structure, including a plurality of fibers arranged in the structure; a matrix disposed between the fibers; wherein a multilayer coating is provided along the surfaces of at least some of the fibers with an inner layer region having a sheet-like strength; and an outer layer region, having a particle-like strength, such that any cracks propagating toward the outer layer from the matrix propagate along the outer layer and back into the matrix, thereby preventing the cracks from approaching the fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for recycling an organic-matrix composite material. The organic-matrix composite material comprises a first component comprising at least one organic matrix polymer and at least one solid second component being compatible with said first component and being structurally different from said first component, wherein said at least one organic polymer has thermosetting properties at room temperature and wherein said polymer comprises thermally reversible cross-links The method of the invention comprises —heating the organic-matrix composite material to a temperature at which at least part of the thermally reversible cross-links cleave and at which temperature the first component as a viscosity of at most 500 Pa·s, as measured by oscillatory measurements on an Anton Paar MCR 301 rheometer using parallel plate geometry; and —separating the at least part of said first component from said second component.

Abstract: A friction material contains: at least one kind of a titanate compound having a shape having a plurality of convex portions; and a bio-soluble inorganic fiber. In the titanate compound, a three-dimensional shape of a particle thereof has a plurality of convex portions.

Abstract: A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal boride and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising a metal component, boron, and an organic component. The metal component is nanoparticles or particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory metal nanoparticles. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of reacting or decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles, boron, and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight to form a precursor mixture. A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal boride that is not in the form of a powder.

Abstract: A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal carbide or refractory-metal nitride and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising a metal component and an organic component. The metal component is nanoparticles or particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory metal nanoparticles. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of reacting or decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles with an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight to form a precursor mixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite structure. The method comprises forming at least one prepregged composite material comprising a ceramic fiber preform and a pre-ceramic matrix slurry. The at least one prepregged composite material is placed over at least one surface of a tool using an advanced fiber placement apparatus to form an at least partially uncured composite material structure. The at least partially uncured composite material structure is exposed at least to elevated temperatures to convert the at least partially uncured composite material structure into a ceramic matrix composite structure. A system for forming a ceramic matrix composite structure, an advanced fiber placement apparatus, and a ceramic matrix composite structure are also described.

Abstract: Aqueous precursor solutions are described that comprise at least one monazite-based material precursor, at least one xenotime-based material precursor or a combination thereof; and a plurality of fine suspended particles of an oxide material. Contemplated oxide composites, as described herein, comprise a plurality of fibers surrounded by at least one monazite or xenotime-based material, wherein the oxide composite has nearly a fully dense matrix. Contemplated embodiments disclosed herein provides a method for producing an oxide composite with nearly fully dense matrix and with all fibers surrounded by a monazite- or xenotime-based material that prevents embrittlement at temperatures at least as high as 1200° C.

Abstract: A method of treating tough inorganic fiber bundles including opening a plurality of the tough inorganic fiber bundles such that tough inorganic fibers can be dispersed in a liquid slurry to lay down a homogenous fiber aggregate, wherein the tough inorganic fibers have a crush settle volume of greater than 250 ml, optionally greater than 450 ml. Also, a method of treating tough inorganic fiber bundles including dispersing a plurality of the tough inorganic fiber bundles in a slurry with a dilution of about 0.1% to about 2%, optionally about 0.1% to about 1%, effective to lay down a homogenous fiber aggregate, wherein the tough inorganic fibers have a crush settle volume of greater than 250 ml, optionally greater than 450 ml.

Abstract: A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a plate brick, which comprises: adding an organic binder to a refractory raw material mixture containing aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy; kneading them; forming the kneaded mixture into a shaped body; and burning the shaped body in a nitrogen gas atmosphere at a temperature of 1000 to 1400° C., wherein: when a temperature of a furnace atmosphere is 300° C. or more, the atmosphere is set to a nitrogen gas atmosphere; and when the temperature of the furnace atmosphere is 1000° C. or more, an oxygen gas concentration in the atmosphere is maintained at 100 volume ppm or less, and a sum of a carbon monoxide gas concentration and a carbon dioxide gas concentration is maintained at 1.0 volume % or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer solution. Said method comprises the preparation of a polysilane, obtained by the disproportionation of a methylchlorodisilane or a mixture of methylchlorodisilanes of formula Si2MenC16-n with a Lewis base as the catalyst, a subsequent thermal cross-linking of the polysilane to form an infusible polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer that is soluble in inert solvents, in addition to the production of said solution by the dissolution of the polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer in an inert solvent. The invention also relates to a method for producing oxygen-depleted ceramic fibers and other molded bodies with a composition similar to that of SiC. Said method comprises the spinning of the solution to obtain green fibers according to the dry spinning method and the pyrolysis of the dried green fibers in an inert gas atmosphere or a reductive atmosphere.

Abstract: To provide a highly bio-soluble fibrous shaped refractory article which can develop desired heat resistance without containing ceramic fibers such as aluminum silicate fibers, alumina powder and silica powder and can be provided at a low production cost and a low product cost. An inorganic fibrous shaped refractory article comprising 2 to 95 mass % of bio-soluble inorganic fibers having a dissolution ratio in a physiological saline at 40° C. of 1 mass % or more, 2 to 95 mass % of inorganic powder having a needle-like crystal structure and 3 to 32 mass % of a binder, and in particular, it is an inorganic fibrous refractory article wherein the inorganic powder having the needle-like crystal structure has an average length of 1 to 3000 ?m and an aspect ratio of 1 to 1000.

Abstract: A refractory composition and processes for manufacture are provided where the compositions possess improved refractory alkali resistance and superior handling properties. Compositions and processes for their manufacture may include a plurality of ceramic particles and a binder sintered to the particles wherein the binder includes crystalline aluminum orthophosphate distributed as the result of an in situ reaction of aluminum metaphosphate with alumina. Kits provided according to the invention provide materials for use in manufacture of a composition where the kit includes aluminum metaphosphate and a nonfacile additive.

Abstract: A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal carbide or refractory-metal nitride and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising a metal component and an organic component. The metal component is nanoparticles or particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory metal nanoparticles. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of reacting or decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles with an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight to form a precursor mixture.

Abstract: A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal boride and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising a metal component, boron, and an organic component. The metal component is nanoparticles or particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory metal nanoparticles. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of reacting or decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles, boron, and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight to form a precursor mixture. A composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal boride that is not in the form of a powder.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for producing unmeltable polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymers which are soluble in inert solvents, comprising the steps providing the product of a disproportionation of a methylchlorodisilane or a mixture of several methylchlorodisilanes of the composition Si2MenCl6-n, wherein n=1?4, wherein the disproportionation was carried out with a Lewis base as a catalyst, wherein this product is a chlorine-containing, crude polysilane/oligosilane containing hydrocarbon groups, and thermally postcrosslinking the crude polysilane/oligosilane to a polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer, characterized in that the chlorine content of the polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer is lowered by reacting the crude polysilane/oligosilane with a substitution agent, by which chlorine bound therein is replaced with a chlorine-free substituent. Green fibers and low-oxygen/oxygen-free ceramic fibers with a very low chlorine content can be produced using this process.

Abstract: A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 10:1, ceramic particles, and an inorganic binder comprising silica. Greater than 90 out of 100 ceramic fibers are randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article, and greater than 85 out of 100 ceramic fibers are spaced at least one ceramic fiber diameter away from an adjacent ceramic fiber. The ceramic article has a consistent density of from 0.9 to 1.1 g/cm3 in x-, y-, and z-dimensions and has a uniform strength in three dimensions as measured in accordance with ASTM C1424.

Abstract: In a carbon-containing refractory composed of a refractory aggregate, a carbon based raw material, and a carbon bond connecting between the refractory aggregate or the carbon based raw material, transition metal-containing nanoparticles having particle diameters of 1,000 nm or less and containing a transition metal are contained in the above-described carbon bond while being dispersed. When the carbon-containing refractory is heat-treated, flexible structures of carbon fiber-shaped textures having diameters of 50 nm or less are formed in the inside of a carbon bond and, thereby, an increase in strength, a reduction in modulus of elasticity, and a reduction in thermal expansion coefficient are facilitated. Therefore, a carbon-containing refractory exhibiting high thermal shock resistance, high abrasion resistance, and high corrosion resistance are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) part by infiltration of a suspension (S) of a ceramic powder into a fibrous reinforcement (14). A suspension (S) of ceramic powder containing particles of chosen particle size, dispersed in at least one solvent, is prepared. The infiltration of the suspension is carried out in a single step in the fibrous reinforcement (14) positioned between a mould (12) and a permeable membrane (16), which makes it possible to apply a vacuum (V) and to subsequently remove the solvent from the suspension through the permeable membrane (16). The invention applies to the production of large-sized parts of complex shape, in particular in the field of aeronautics and aerospace engineering.

Abstract: A tough ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) composite comprises grains of UHTC matrix material, such as HfB2, ZrB2 or other metal boride, carbide, nitride, etc., surrounded by a uniform distribution of acicular high aspect ratio reinforcement ceramic rods or whiskers, such as of SiC, is formed from uniformly mixing a powder of the UHTC material and a pre-ceramic polymer selected to form the desired reinforcement species, then thermally consolidating the mixture by hot pressing. The acicular reinforcement rods may make up from 5 to 30 vol % of the resulting microstructure.

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: Composite bodies made by a silicon metal infiltration process that feature a silicon intermetallic, e.g., a metal silicide. Not only does this give the composite material engineer greater flexibility in designing or tailoring the physical properties of the resulting composite material, but the infiltrant also can be engineered compositionally to have much diminished amounts of expansion upon solidification, thereby enhancing net-shape-making capabilities. These and other consequences of engineering the metal component of composite bodies made by silicon infiltration permit the fabrication of large structures of complex shape.

Abstract: A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating.

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: One embodiment is a gas turbine engine component including a metal foam nanofiber composite. Another embodiment is a gas turbine engine component including a ceramic foam nanofiber composite. Other embodiments include unique gas turbine engine components including foam nanofiber composites.

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 ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.

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 fibrous ceramic material including a plurality of fibers entangled with one another. The fibrous ceramic material includes at least one connector projecting between the fibers. At least a portion of the fibers have the connectors extending between and attach the fibers to one another. A method of manufacturing the fibrous ceramic material includes providing a precursor material having a plurality of fibers. A holder is provided for holding the precursor material. The precursor material is placed on the holder and both are heated to between about 1500 degrees Celsius and about 1700 degrees Celsius to form the fibrous ceramic material, thereby causing connectors to project from a portion of the fibers and attach the fibers to one another.

Abstract: This invention provides carbon composite materials, which comprise metal carbide particles, at least the particle surfaces or the entirety of which are metal carbides, synthesized in situ from a metal source, i.e., at least one member selected from the group comprising metal particles, metal oxide particles, and composite metal oxide particles, and a carbon source, i.e., a thermosetting resin, dispersed in a carbon, carbon fiber, or carbon/carbon fiber matrix, and contain no free metal particles. This invention also provides a method for producing such composite carbon materials, which enables the production of carbon composite materials having a high coefficient of friction, high thermostability, and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: An SiC fiber bonded ceramic constituted of both a base material which comprises both inorganic fibers made mainly of a sintered SiC structure containing 0.01 to 1 wt % of oxygen (O) and at least one of Groups 2A, 3A and 3B metals and a 1 to 100-nm and carbon (C)-base boundary layer formed among the fibers and a surface part which is made mainly of an SiC-base ceramic structure and formed on at least part of the surface of the base material, characterized in that the boundary portion between the surface part and the base material takes such a gradient structure that the structure of the base material changes into the structure of the surface part gradually and continuously.

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 ceramic matrix composite is formed from a non-oxide ceramic and continuous ceramic fibers. The matrix includes a hafnium donor in the matrix in an amount sufficient to harden the composite at elevated temperatures to prevent ablation of the composite. The matrix also includes a boron donor in the matrix in an amount sufficient to lower the glass transition temperature of the composite to flow over cracks formed in the composite. The method to form the matrix is selected from polymer infiltration pyrolysis, chemical vapor infiltration, and sequential polymer infiltration pyrolysis and chemical vapor infiltration.

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.