| abstract |
A method of producing a monolithic ceramic body from a porous matrix includes providing a porous matrix having interstitial spaces, providing an infiltrating medium comprising a solvent and at least one reactive species, and infiltrating at least a portion of the interstitial space of the porous matrix with the infiltrating medium. The solvent is an inert medium that is not chemically reactive with the porous matrix, and is in a liquid phase when in the portion of the interstitial space of the porous matrix. The infiltrating medium is mechanically convected through the porous matrix. The at least one reactive species, when in a portion of the interstitial space of the porous matrix, reacts with a portion of the porous matrix to form a product, and the product fills at least a portion of the interstitial space. |