Fibre-reinforced multifunctional SiC matrix composite materials

TLDR

Fibre‑reinforced SiC ceramic‑matrix composites have attracted extensive interest over the past two decades because their designable multi‑scale microstructure and tailorable processing enable multifunctional properties such as crack self‑healing, friction self‑lubrication, and electromagnetic shielding for high‑temperature aerospace and electronic applications. The review aims to cover the main mechanisms of strengthening, toughening, crack self‑healing, friction self‑lubrication, and electromagnetic shielding and absorption in fibre‑reinforced SiC matrix composites. The review discusses the mechanisms of strengthening, toughening, crack self‑healing, friction self‑lubrication, and electromagnetic shielding and absorption in fibre‑reinforced SiC matrix composites. Key developments and future challenges in this field are summarised.

Abstract

In the last two decades, fibre-reinforced SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) have attracted extensive interests. Owing to the designable multi-scale microstructure feature and the tailorable processing methods such as chemical vapour infiltration and polymer derived ceramics, SiC matrix composites attain great potential as multifunctional composites. Through designing the fibre, interphase, matrix and coating, the composite exhibits a multitude of functionalities which are desirable for various technological applications. Besides strengthening and toughening design of CMCs, three inspiring issues of multifunctional CMCs are receiving increasing attention, including crack self-healing, friction self-lubrication, and electromagnetic shielding and absorption, which are the key mechanisms to promote the application of CMCs in hot structures of engines and aerospace vehicles, braking pads/discs, various electronic devices, etc. The present review covers the main mechanisms on strengthening and toughening, crack self-healing, friction self-lubrication, and electromagnetic shielding and absorption of CMCs. Key developments and future challenges in this field are summarised.