Rolls-royce High Temperature Composites Inc.

Timothy Western

Sungbo Shim

Stephen Harris

Christopher Whitmore

A method of altering a surface of a ceramic matrix composite to aid in nodule removal is described. A fiber preform comprising a framework of ceramic fibers is heated to a temperature at or above a melting temperature of silicon. During the heating, the fiber preform is infiltrated with a molten material comprising silicon. After the infiltration, the fiber preform is cooled, and the infiltrated fiber preform is exposed to a gas comprising nitrogen during cooling. Silicon nitride may be formed by a reaction of free (unreacted) silicon at or near the surface of the infiltrated fiber preform with the nitrogen. Thus, a ceramic matrix composite having a surface configured for easy nodule removal is formed. Any silicon nodules formed on the surface during cooling may be removed without machining or heat treatment.

Growing community of inventors

Sunset Beach, CA, United States of America

Timothy Western