Ceramic matrix composites and methods of making the same

An improved method of preparing ceramic matrix composites includes blending one or more ceramic powders with one or more paraffinic binders to form a slurry; introducing a ceramic fiber preform into a die or mold; heating the slurry to a temperature above the melting point of the one or more paraffinic binders to form a heated slurry; introducing the heated slurry into the die or mold, the heated slurry infiltrating the ceramic fiber preform to form a slurry infiltrated preform; cooling the die or mold below the solidification temperature of the paraffinic binder, thereby forming a solid component from the slurry infiltrated preform; removing the solid component from the die or mold; heating the solid component to a temperature whereby the paraffinic binder is removed; and densifying the solid component after removing the paraffinic binder, thereby forming the ceramic matrix composite.