Abstract: Ensuring considerable mechanical properties while reducing costs presents a critical challenge in the manufacture of ceramic matrix composites. This research proposes a rapid fabrication method named ViS_fP-TiCOP (High Viscosity Solvent-free Precursor Combined Elemental Titanium Controlled Pyrolysis). This high cost-effectiveness benefits from excellent mechanical properties and low fabrication costs. C/SiBCN-7 vol % Ti fabricated by ViS_fP-TiCOP attained the flexural strength (1200 °C) of 397 MPa and interlaminar shear strength of 23.25 MPa in a short preparation period (5 PIP cycles). Not only that, contributed to its limited raw material expenses (2D carbon fiber fabric and high precursor utilization) and minimal equipment requirements (pressureless pyrolysis, < 1400 °C), the processing cost of ViS_fP-TiCOP is remarkably small. ViS_fP-TiCOP exhibits an exceptional mechanical property/manufacture cost ratio compared to the conventional PIP process. The high mechanical property of C/SiBCN-Ti is attributed to the formation of a TiCN transition gradient interface between SiBCN and Ti, which enhances sintering activity, while the extremely short densification cycle benefits from in-situ gaseous carbon-fixation and nitrogen-fixation reactions of elemental Ti, resulting in higher volume yield for SiBCN-Ti. Owing to these mechanisms, ViSfP-TiCOP provides a particularly cost-effective method for the large-scale manufacture of CMCs.

Key words: CMCs, Mechanical property/manufacture cost ratio, Microstructure, Flexural strength