Institute of Materials Research - Ceramic Composites

You are here: Home:Research:Ceramic Composites

Ceramic Composites

for high-temperature applications in aerospace and energy

Future energy efficient, green aero-engines as well as land-based gas turbines demand new light-weight materials showing the high temperature resistance of ceramics as well as non-brittle fracture behavior typical for metals and alloys. Similar material properties are required for re-usable, cost-efficient thermal protection systems for re-entry spacecraft or hypersonic vehicles. Oxide-based ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are developed at the Institute of Materials Research and meet these requirements. Outstanding properties of oxide-based CMC are:

high resistance against thermal load and thermal cycling
damage tolerance and non-brittle fracture behavior
full resistance against oxidation and good resistance in may corrosive environments
low specific weight and heat capacity
transparency for electromagnetic waves; electrical insulation

WHIPOX

The oxide CMC WHIPOX (Wound Highly Porous Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite) has been developed at the Institute of Materials Research. WHIPOX consists of continuous oxide fibers which are embedded in a porous oxide matrix. Compared to non-oxide materials WHIPOX-type CMC exhibit excellent durability in oxidizing atmospheres. Components are manufactured by a relative simple, cost-efficient filament winding process.

Functional Coatings for Structural Ceramics and Composites

Fibre-reinforced ceramic composites often exhibit a pronounced porosity and permeability. Their fabrication also produces irregular structures, i.e. rough surface structures. For long-term application in harsh environments like burning chambers of gas turbine engines they must be protected against thermal overload, hot-corrosion and chemical degradation by hot water vapor. This protection is provided by stable thermal- and/or environmental barrier coatings (E/TBC).

Characterization

Profound characterization is mandatory for successful development of structural and functional ceramics. Characterization is performed by means of state-of-the-art analysis methods on a very broad length scale.