Low Cost, Domestically Sourced SiC Ceramic Fibers

In this Air Force Phase II SBIR proposal, MATECH/GSM proposes to continue the development of a manufacturing process for the production of low-cost, stoichiometric SiC fibers for use in advanced missile components. The objectives of this proposal are to develop a manufacturing base for low cost, high volume, entirely domestically sourced stoichiometric SiC ceramic fibers and ceramic fiber tows—much needed by the defense community. In the first five (5) months of the nine (9) month Phase I SBIR program, MATECH/GSM has demonstrated the ability to fabricate fully dense, stoichiometric SiC ceramic fibers. In addition, average monofilament strengths of pyrolyzed SiC ceramic fibers of 2.0 GPa and greater have been obtained. In the Phase II program, MATECH/GSM proposes to: 1. Finalize SiC Preceramic Polymer Synthesis Optimization 2. Complete High Temperature Heat Treatment Optimization: 3. Complete the Stoichiometric SiC Ceramic Fiber Characterization Matrix (aka “The DiCarlo Matrix”). 4. Transition from Bench Level to 500 Filament Ceramic Fiber Tow Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP): Continuous Stoichiometric SiC Ceramic Fiber Tow Fabrication/Optimization: 5. Provide 500 Filament Stoichiometric SiC ceramic Fiber Tow for External Validation (Air Force, NASA, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, COI Ceramics).