Investigations on an All-Oxide Ceramic Composites Based on Al2O3 Fibres and Alumina–Zirconia Matrix for Application in Liquid Rocket Engines

High performance ceramics, particularly Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) materials found their way into liquid rocket engines. Yet, so far, mainly carbide or nonoxide CMCs have been of interest. This paper explores the potential and challenges oxide–oxide ceramic matrix composites (OCMCs) for application in thrust chambers. Therefore, strength, leakage hot gas tests are conducted with material samples. A particular focus lies on coatings to seal permeability inherent material. Furthermore, prototypes form flame tubes, chambers nozzles graphite inlays developed investigated experimentally test firings. The results show that a recrystallised glass Y-Al-Si-O compound can successfully create an impermeable coating OCMC without affecting its damag-tolerant behaviour. However, prototype developments it is still very challenging manufacture even slightly complex structures critical failures. Nevertheless, relatively simple geometries showed promising firings could be used as lightweight housing, while inner contour chamber nozzle realised, e.g., by inlay appropriate quality.