Developments in Laser-CVD to produce SiC and Si3N4 fibers for CMC reinforcement

Free Form Fibers specializes in producing high-performance ceramic fibers for reinforcement materials in high-temperature, ultra-hard, Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) applications. A brief overview of our Laser-driven CVD (L-CVD) growth process, allowing the production of material from gaseous precursors, will be given. The advantages of utilizing this Additive Manufacturing-based approach to material fabrication is outlined, showing the main benefit of the L-CVD process as the ability to produce a fiber with no oxygen contamination. Enabling superior material properties, a breakdown on our recent developments regarding chemistry, characterization methods, and mechanical performance of silicon carbide and silicon nitride fibers will be presented. These materials are to be tested for tensile strength and creep resistance, and will be compared to other commercial fibers currently available on the market. Coupons with our fibers as reinforcement material will also be produced and discussed.