Patent ID: 6533976
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: C04B

Abstract:
A method of fabricating a discontinuous-fiber, ceramic matrix green-state composite component, the method comprising the sequential steps of:a) preparing an initial mixture of discontinuous fibers in a quantity equal to about 100% of a desired end-product fiber quantity thereof, and a ceramic precursor resin in an excess quantity greater than about 150% of a desired end-product resin quantity thereof; b) introducing said mixture under vacuum into a cavity of a molding tool such that the fibers are transported into the mold as a component of the vacuum and resin mixture; c) compacting a quantity of fibers at a vacuum aperture by applying a vacuum to the cavity at a vacuum aperture to thereby draw said mixture toward the aperture whereby said compacted fibers functions as a filter to retain within the cavity fibers within the mixture while removing under vacuum excess ceramic precursor from said mixture; and d) heating the molding tool to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cure the mixture to thereby fabricate the green-state component.