The major difference between these two is a reinforcing phase. In addition, certain processes can produce an in situ phase that can act as reinforcements or improve mechanical properties.
Monolithic ceramics have the disadvantage of being brittle.
A reinforcing phase can improve the toughness of these materials, while still taking advantage of the matrix's other properties such as wear resistance, hardness, corrosion resistance, and temperature resistance. Applications of ceramic matrix composites that have been on the market for a number of years include cutting tools and wear parts. Other emerging applications being field tested, or still in the development stage, include gas turbine seals, hot gas filters and high pressure heat exchangers. Another major obstacle is the lack of reliability in current materials. Study Goals and Objectives BCC had conducted a technical and economic study on ceramic matrix composites in 1990.