Fabrication and machining of ceramic composites — A review on current scenario

ABSTRACT

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are the best-suited material for various engineering application due to their superior properties. The different processing methods involved in the fabrication and machining of these CMCs are a center for attraction to researchers and industrial society. This review article primarily focuses on the development of different processing methods and machining methods for ceramic matrix composites since the last few years. Out of these fabrication methods, powder metallurgy emerged as a most promising and cost-effective technique. In addition, electric discharge machining (EDM) has proved to be time saving, cost effective, and capable of machining complex shapes in composites. At the end, challenges in the processing and machining of ceramic matrix composites have been identified from the literature, and further benefits of microwave sintering and electric discharge machining of materials have been addressed in the paper.

KEYWORDS:

• CVD
• drilling
• electro-discharge
• grinding
• manufacturing
• microwave
• powder
• ultrasonic

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the help provided by Probal Kumar Das (Retd. Scientist G, CGCRI, Kolkatta), Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Almatis, ACC Ltd., India and Dessica Chemicals Ltd. This paper is the outcome of PhD work done by the first author.