Three-dimensional preforming via wet-laid nonwoven technology for ceramic matrix composites

In this study, a new 3D preforming method was developed using wet-laid nonwoven technology, for application in manufacturing ceramic matrix composites (CMC). For this purpose, a process setup was developed and tested on an example geometry (radome). HTS 45 carbon fibers and Nextel610 alumina fibers were used for the preforming. The resulting C/C-SiC and OXIPOL materials were mechanically characterized and the microstructure was investigated. A radome was manufactured from each material and subjected to DLR's L2K and VMK wind tunnels. The tests have been successful with the C/C-SiC and OXIPOL radome. Overall the application-oriented tests show that load-bearing components can be produced with the newly developed preform method and that they also prove themselves in the application. The knowledge gained, demonstrates the potential of the 3D wet-laid nonwoven preforming method and represents a new possibility for CMC production with complex shapes.