Spark Plasma Sintering of Ceramic Matrix Composites with Self‐Healing Matrix

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) performed by a hybrid process is described in this paper. This process is based on (1) the chemical vapor deposition of carbon interphase on the fiber surface, (ii) the introduction of mineral powders inside the multidirectional continuous fiber preform and (iii) the densification of the matrix by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). To prevent carbon fibers and interphase from oxidation in service, a self-healing matrix made of silicon nitride and titanium diboride was processed. A thermal treatment of 3 minutes at 1500 degrees C allows to fully consolidate by SPS the composite without fiber degradation. The ceramic matrix composites obtained have an ultimate bending stress at room temperature around 300 MPa and show a self-healing behaviour in oxidizing conditions.