Sequenced CMC Interphase Coating for Oxidation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials face degradation due to crack propagation and oxidation under high-temperature oxidizing conditions, which reduces their mechanical strength and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A sequenced interphase coating with boron-doped carbon alternating with silicon carbide layers is applied to the CMC material, enhancing shear resistance and delaying crack exposure to oxygen, thereby improving the material's lifespan under load in oxidizing environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an interphase coating of PyC or BN is used to deflect cracks, then crack propagation is prevented and mechanical strength is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates under high-temperature oxidizing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interphase coating is segmented into multiple thin layers (5-50 nm each) alternating between crack-deflecting material (PyC or BN) and oxidation-resistant material (SiC or Si-BC), creating a sequenced structure that provides both crack deflection and oxidation protection simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interphase coating uses composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties: PyC or BN for crack deflection and SiC or Si-BC for oxidation resistance, achieving both functions in a single integrated coating system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a sequenced interphase with alternating layers is created to provide both crack deflection and oxidation protection, then oxidation resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidinterphase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complexity is managed by controlling layer thickness parameters (5-50 nm) and using scalable deposition techniques (P-CVI, CVI, ALD) that can automatically form the sequenced structure through parameter optimization rather than manual layer-by-layer assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If crack-deflecting interphase material is used, then load transfer efficiency is improved, but oxygen pathways are created leading to fiber oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidation-resistant layers (SiC or Si-BC) act as intermediary barriers between the crack-deflecting layers and the oxidizing environment, blocking oxygen pathways while maintaining the load transfer function of the crack-deflecting layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively promotes load transfer between the matrix and fibers, delaying damage within the sequenced matrix and reducing oxidation exposure, resulting in increased mechanical strength and lifespan of the CMC material.

Implementation Method 1

The fibrous preform is consolidated by a sequenced matrix predominantly composed of ceramics, including layers of matrix material made of crack deflector material alternating with layers of matrix material made of ceramic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor infiltration: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

This interphase coating is capable of ensuring efficient load transfer between the matrix and the fibers and is made of a material capable of deflecting cracks reaching the interphase coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrack deflection: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

The deflection of cracks within the matrix delays the access of an ambient oxidizing environment to the interphase or fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) or a Si-BC ternary compound capable of forming a glassy compound in the presence of oxygen, which can heal cracks by transitioning to a paste-like state at the high temperatures to which the CMC material is exposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2791080B1Part made of cmc
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 SAFRAN CERAMICS SA
  • EP2791080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2791080B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2791080B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a part made of a ceramic matrix composite comprising a fibrous reinforcement made of carbon or ceramic fibres, and a mainly ceramic sequenced matrix comprising first matrix layers made of a crack deviator alternating with second matrix layers made of a ceramic. An interphase coating is interposed between the fibres and the matrix, the interphase coating adhering to the fibres and to the matrix and being formed from at least one sequence consisting of a first elementary layer made of carbon, which is optionally doped with boron, surmounted with a second elementary layer made of a ceramic, the external elementary layer of the interphase coating being a ceramic layer the external surface of which is formed by ceramic grains the size of which essentially lies between 20 nanometres and 200 nanometres, with the presence of grains larger than 50 nanometres in size providing the external surface with a roughness ensuring mechanical bonding with the adjacent matrix phase.