Ceramic Matrix Composites

This second edition has been revised and updated. It covers processing, structure, properties and the performance of ceramic matrix composites. The term ceramic here includes inorganic silica-based glasses, crystalline ceramics, glass-ceramics, intermetallics and carbon. All of these have the underlying unifying thread that they are all brittle and fairly high temperature materials. After an introductory chapter, the processing, microstructure and properties of various ceramic materials, reinforcements and their composites are described. A separate chapter is devoted to processing of ceramic reinforcements, with a special emphasis on fibres. Processing of ceramic matrix composites is the next chapter, which includes novel techniques such as sol-gel processing and ceramics from polymeric precursors. The next four chapters cover the subjects of interface region in ceramic composites, mechanical and physical properties, and the role of thermal stresses and the important subject of toughness enhancement. Laminated composites made of ceramics are described in a separate chapter. Finally, a chapter is devoted to various applications of ceramic matrix composites. Throughout the text, the underlying relationships between the components of the triad: processing, microstructure and properties are brought out. An exhaustive list of references and suggested reading is provided.