DEVELOPMENT OF CERAMIC-MATRIX COMPOSITES - A CHALLENGE TO CHEMISTRY

In this contribution the state-of-the-art of ceramic-matrix composites is briefly summarized. A critical review of the different types of ceramic composites is given, particularly emphasizing the challenge to chemistry. As example two important problem areas, which may only be solved by contributions from chemistry, are discussed: some low- temperature processing techniques for ceramic composites which avoid damage of fibres by thermal or mechanical loading and/or by chemical reactions as well as the optimization and control of interfaces.