Ceramic fibrous monolithic structures

High-strength ceramic fibers and composite structures that contain them are generally expensive. In a lower-cost approach for fabricating fibrous composites, reinforcing fiber-like cells that are distinct from a continuous matrix phase called the cell boundary can be formed in situ from powders. Structures can be constructed by assembly and consolidation of filaments that consist of the cell phase and its surrounding cell boundary. Fabrication of ceramic fibrous monoliths (FMs) is reviewed and mechanical properties of the most widely studied FMs are discussed. Those based on Si3N4 cells within a BN cell boundary have achieved the best overall properties and uniformity of manufacture, but degrade severely at high temperatures in oxidizing environments. Those based on oxides are more stable, but are substantially weaker. Assessment of the future of FMs is offered, including cost reduction, fabrication practice, property improvement, and formation of complex structures.