Ceramic Composites

Demand for fiber-reinforced composites is growing rapidly in the aerospace, wind-power, and automotive markets, while new, advanced technologies require lighter and tougher materials like ceramic composities.

SRI uses its matrix formation technology to make continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites—an alternative for many applications that require tough and fracture-resistant ceramics. This technology consists of a low-cost, flexible preceramic polymer loaded with ceramic powders or metal fillers that expand upon oxidation to increase the matrix density.

Available for license, SRI’s technology allows for twice the strength and fiber loading of competing composites. SRI is also expanding into nonoxide matrices.

Applications include:

  • Candle filters (hot gas filters)

  • Heat exchangers

  • Metal handling

  • High-temperature structural components

  • Aerospace uses

  • Wind turbines

Projects

An SRI researcher observes FRASTA images on a computer
FRASTA: Fracture Surface Topography Analysis

SRI has developed a breakthrough technology for diagnosing and predicting fatigue failure in pipelines, aircraft, bridges, power plants, and other structures using quantitative 3D fractography.

Topics: Ceramic Composites Coatings for Corrosion Resistance Combustion Explosive Effects + Testing Fracture Physics + Failure Analysis Microscience + Engineering

Products + Solutions

NASA Scramjet
Ceramic Composites

The demand for fiber-reinforced composites is growing rapidly in the aerospace, wind power, and automotive markets as advanced technologies increasingly require lighter, tougher materials.

Topics: Ceramic Composites Chemistry of Materials Nanocomposite Synthesis Renewable Energy

Divisions, Centers + Labs