C/Sic Composites For High Temeprature Structural Applications. Part I: Thermodynamical And Chemical Stability (In Spanish)

The development of aero-engine and aircraft industry is aimed to hypersonic technology, efficiency enhancements and pollutant emission reductions. This objective can only be reached by increasing the operating temperatures, utilising new materials which mechanical properties are retained up to high temperatures. SiC matrix composites reinforced with carbon fibres are good examples with very good bending and thermal shock resistance at temperatures of up to 1600 deg C as well as low density. However, the fact which currently inhibits the application of these materials is the high oxidation rate of carbon fibres at temperatures above 450 deg C. In the first part of the paper, a review of the most important properties and oxidation mechanisms of C and SiC has been carried out.