Use of monazite or xenotime solution precursors to increase the density and shear strength of oxide composites

Abstract

Aqueous precursor solutions are described that comprise at least one monazite-based material precursor, at least one xenotime-based material precursor or a combination thereof; and a plurality of fine suspended particles of an oxide material. Contemplated oxide composites, as described herein, comprise a plurality of fibers surrounded by at least one monazite or xenotime-based material, wherein the oxide composite has nearly a fully dense matrix. Contemplated embodiments disclosed herein provides a method for producing an oxide composite with nearly fully dense matrix and with all fibers surrounded by a monazite- or xenotime-based material that prevents embrittlement at temperatures at least as high as 1200° C. Oxide composites are described that contain a plurality of fibers, a matrix containing at least one or more oxide materials, and at least one monazite-based material, xenotime-based material or combination thereof, wherein the monazite-based or xenotime-based material is formed from the aqueous precursor solutions disclosed herein. Contemplated methods of production include: a) providing a composite comprising oxide-reinforcing fibers and a porous matrix of oxide materials, and b) infiltrating the porosity in the matrix with a solution that contains precursors for at least one monazite-based material, at least one xenotime-based material or a combination thereof; and c) heat treating the composite to convert the precursors to monazite, xenotime, or combinations thereof.