DAMAGE TOLERANT CMC USING SOL-GEL MATRIX SLURRY

Disclosed are an oxide matrix composite that is stable for long-term exposures to temperatures of approximately 1,200° C. and the methods of making the ceramic matrix composite, including wet lay-up, prepreg, and filament winding fabrication methods. The oxide matrix composite can be made using commercially available refractory fibers that retain better than 85% of its original composite strength after 1,000 hours of exposure to such high temperature environments. The preferred alumina-based system demonstrates damage tolerance as relatively high strength retention properties and structural performance. The preferred refractory fibers are commercially available under the tradename of NEXTEL(R) 720.