Fundamentals of the Directed Oxidation Process for Synthesisof Oxide Matrix Composites

This proposal plans to produce ceramic matrix composites through the directed oxidation of alloys, and aims to examine the rate phenomena and the mechanisms of the composite growth through a systematic investigation of the oxidation rates of alloys with controlled amounts of dopants. Wetting and composite-alloy interfacial surface energetics will be examined. Conductivity and Seebeck voltage measurements will be made. %%%% This proposed research will provide scientific foundations to the recently developed so-called Lanxide process in which ceramics are synthesized by the direct oxidation of metals. The growth of several new ternary and quaternary ceramic matrix composites under controlled laboratory conditions will be made.