Patent ID: 8431061
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: B28B,C04B,F02K,F23M,F23R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article, the method comprising: assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool; heating the assembly of the tool, the ceramic fiber sheet and the die to soften the tool; pressurizing at least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die; cooling the assembly of the tool, the ceramic fiber sheet and the die such that the tool hardens; venting the pressure; removing the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die; applying a preceramic resin with a catalyst to the ceramic fiber sheet; curing the preceramic resin with catalyst at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform; and removing the tool from the preform.