Ceramic Matrix Composites Emerge as Next Generation Aerospace Materials

Fuel costs are at an all-time high. Consumers are feeling the pinch and trickle-down effect everywhere. For those industries that use jet fuel or performance specification hydrocarbon fuels the pinch is a little bit harder. For the aerospace industry finding ways to control fuel costs, or minimize them, is paramount as fuel costs are the largest operating expense for airlines. When looking at a large turbojet aircraft, a weight reduction of 1,000kg cuts fuel use by 1.1-1.5%. Further, improvements in engine efficiency are accomplished by running the engine at a higher turbine inlet temperature – which means less fuel burnt for the same thrust output which can also lead to a reduction in CO₂ emissions (1:1 ratio). One way to combat these rising costs and improve efficiency is using new advanced materials such as Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs).