Comparative characterization of both alumina and mullite matrix manufactured combining filament winding and freeze gelation process

Abstract

Filament winding and freeze gelation technique are combined in this work to manufacture all-oxide ceramic matrix composites with different matrices.Alumina and mullite are used in combination with a silica sol to manufacture two ceramic suspensions. Fiber infiltration and lay-up is conducted with NextelTM 610 fiber with 3000 denier(organic sized)using the filament winding process. After lay-up the composite is submitted to subzero temperatures forcing the consolidation of the ceramic matrix. The combination of these processing routes is successfully implemented to build up cost-efficient composites.Homogeneous impregnation of the fiber with both ceramic suspensions is achieved. Use of different ceramic fillers influenced, however,porosity formation in the material and consequently its mechanical performance. Interlaminar shear and bending strength of composites with mullite filler are lower than the strength of composites using alumina as filler.