The control of gas phase kinetics to maximize densification during chemical vapor infiltration

A serious problem during the fabrication of composite materials by isothermal chemical vapor infiltration is that the matrix forms more rapidly at the external edges of the body and traps a large amount of porosity inside. In theory, this problem can be eliminated by controlling the gas-phase kinetics to obtain densification which is more rapid in the center of a preform than at its outer surfaces. An analysis of a first-order gas-phase reaction followed by a first-order deposition reaction indicates that improved infiltration is possible under a relatively narrow range of conditions.