Analysis of the isothermal forced flow chemical vapour infiltration process. Part II: Experimental study

The preparation of homogeneously dense fibre reinforced SiC composites in a rapid way was the main objective of this study. Furthermore, densification should proceed as fast as possible. In Part 1 of this study,1 some theoretical concepts were proposed of the infiltration mechanisms. The simple model was verified qualitatively using the results of experiments as is reported in this manuscript. Model and experiments do generally coincide. The trends predicted and found experimentally during alteration of the process or microstructural conditions appear to justify the theoretical concepts. Optimum infiltration conditions to gain largest density gain in the shortest time frame are 1320 K, outlet pressure of 6.65 kPa, total gas flow rate of 4 × 10-5 m3 s-1, MTS fraction of 16 vol% and pressure shut off point of 10 kPa.