ABSTRACT
Only one fiber or whisker reinforced ceramic material has been routinely used for some time in a major application, silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina as a cutting tool. However, a number of other applications are actively being pursued for whisker reinforced ceramics, and many components are under development for continuous fiber reinforced ceramics. As experience is gained in these applications and as composite properties are further improved and cost reduced, many future applications are anticipated. In this chapter, projections for future markets for ceramic matrix composites will be summarized and major sources of funding for ceramic composite development described. More details on whisker reinforced alumina for cutting tools will be given and examples of development programs for continuous fiber reinforced ceramic applications discussed.
