CORROSION-RESISTANCE OF THERMOSTRUCTURAL CERAMIC COMPOSITES

Ceramic matrix composites have a high potential for application due to their attractive thermomechanical properties. Performing in a corrosi ve atmosphere they are subject to degradation. Different aspects of th e corrosion, dealing with the self healing and the embrittlement relat ed to a selective attack of the constituents are described. The study of C-SiC and SiC-SiC materials during ageing in an oxidative atmospher e allows to understand and modelize the observed behaviour, considerin g the reactivity of the matrix, the fiber and the interphase. The stat e of the art of these materials and the level of performance have to d ay gained such a confidence that they can be selected for applications like rocket engines, advanced aircraft engines and the Hermes thermal protection system, ....