COMPOSITE REFRACTORY MATERIAL

摘要

A fibrous substrate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and having porous characteristics is formed from discrete elements, such as carbon fibers, having anisotropic properties. A matrix formed from a refractory material encases the discrete elements and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient. The matrix has minimal chemical or mechanical bonding to the discrete elements to provide for a displacement of the matrix relative to the substrate with mechanical shock or changes in temperature. The matrix includes a first element having refractory properties and selected from the group consisting of hafnium, zirconium, tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum also includes a second element bound to the first element. The matrix is preferably formed by providing a mixture of a first gas containing the refractory element and a second gas containing the second element and by introducing the gases into a chamber containing the substrate. The gases are introduced into the chamber at an elevated temperature and with a pressure pulsating at a particular rate between first and second pressure limits to obtain the deposition of the refractory material on the discrete elements. The gases are periodically exhausted from the chamber and fresh gases are introduced into the chamber. The matrix may consist of first and second layers respectively having hafnium (e.g. hafnium carbide) and zirconium (e.g. zirconium carbide) as the refractory materials. These layers define pores with the substrate and further define an external surface. A layer of rhenium may cover the matrix in the pores and in the external surface.