Inventors:
Marc S. Newkirk - Newark DE
Steven F. Dizio - Golts MD
Assignee:
Lanxide Technology Company, LP - Newark DE
International Classification:
C04B 3510
Abstract:
Novel self-supporting ceramic structures are produced by the oxidation reaction of a molten metal precursor with a vapor-phase oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product. Molten metal is drawn through the oxidation reaction product towards the oxidant to cause continued growth of the product at the interface between oxidant and previously formed product. This reaction or growth is continued to form a thick, self-supporting ceramic body. The resulting ceramic material of the polycrystalline growth product consists essentially of an oxidation reaction product and, optionally, one or more non-oxidized constituents of the metal precursor.