FRCMCs, a sample preparation challenge

Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (FRCMCs) have found increasing use in engineering applications requiring light weight, high strength and rigidity, adequate thermal and chemical stability, resistance to wear and ablation and graceful failure characteristics. Continued investments in CMC research and development by agencies such as DOD, NASA, DOE, NSF and NIST demonstrate increased interest in the field. An important part of the R and D process in the analysis of composites during various stages of processing, after testing (physical, thermal, chemical) and after successful or failed operative use. Interpretation of structure/property correlations plays a major role in determining how well a composite is suited to a given engineering environment. Various forms of microstructural analysis ultimately help the materials scientist adjust compositional and processing parameters to tailor the properties of the composite. Accurate microstructural analysis of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite depends upon proper microstructural preparation techniques. Composites exhibit unusual characteristics that make sample preparation especially challenging.