| abstract |
Disclosed are an oxide matrix composite that is stable for long-term exposures to temperatures of approximately 1,200° C and the methods of making the ceramic matrix composite, including wet lay-up (100), prepreg, and filament winding (510) fabrication methods. The oxide matrix composite can be made using commercially available refractory fibers that retain better than 85% of its original composite strength after, 1,000 hours of exposure to such high temperature environments. The preferred alumina-based system demonstrates damage tolerance as relatively high strength retention properties and structural performance (610). The preferred refractory fibers are commercially available under the tradename of NEXTEL® 720. |