The ideal ceramic fiber/oxide matrix composite: How to conciliate antagonist physical and chemical requirements

Abstract: Starting with a short historical introduction, this paper deals with the search for the best materials to be used in ceramic composites. The reinforcement and oxide matrix must satisfy multiple- and often antagonist- requirements in terms of physical (failure resistance, damage tolerance) and chemical (thermal stability, corrosion resistance) properties. The best compromise is obtained by "control " of the interface or, if none forms "naturally", by specific coatings. We will illustrate the choice process with some examples (among which Lithium AluminoSilicate (LAS) composites) showing how "out of factory " short-term (airspace or military applications) and long term (civil air transportation, energy plants) specifications lead to different choices, the latter demanding careful assessment of corrosion issues. Résumé: Le composite céramique idéal à matrice oxyde, ou comment concilier des critères physiques et chimiques contradictoires. A partir d’une brève histoire des composites céramiques, après avoir défini les contraintes physiques et chimiques que doivent satisfaire idéalement le renfort et sa matrice céramique oxyde, nous discutons, au travers de quelques exemples dont les Lithium Alumino-Silicates (LAS) des critères contradictoires, physiques et chimiques, de sélection des 3 matériaux constitutifs d’un composite: les fibres, la matrice et la zone interfaciale fibre-matrice, qu