Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs), wherein the PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) table in which at least one Group VIII metal is at least partially alloyed with phosphorus and/or at least one other alloying element to improve the thermal stability of the PCD table. The disclosed PDCs may be used in a variety of applications, such as rotary drill bits, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses.

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs), wherein the PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) table in which at least one Group VIII metal is at least partially alloyed with phosphorus and/or at least one other alloying element to improve the thermal stability of the PCD table. The disclosed PDCs may be used in a variety of applications, such as rotary drill bits, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses.

A method and apparatus for providing molten metal infiltration into a component is provided.

A ceramic reinforced metal composite (CRMC) comprising a composition composite as an interpenetrating network of at least two interconnected composites is described. The interpenetrating networks comprise a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and a metal matrix composite (MMC). The composition composite is particularly useful as an electrically conductive pathway extending through the ceramic body of a hermetically sealed component, for example, a feedthrough in an active implantable medical device (AIMD).

A method of reducing the local fiber volume fraction and improving the fiber/filament distribution within ceramic fiber tows located within the outer layers of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) comprising depositing a coating medium containing intumescent material(s), such as in the form of a slurry containing intumescent particles, onto and into the outer layer of a ceramic matrix composite preform to alter the fiber structure of the surface of a ceramic matrix composite. The CMC loaded with intumescent material is heated to a temperature where the intumescent material expands, separating the filaments near the outside of the CMC and reducing local elastic modulus. After expansion, the ceramic matrix composite is subjected to densification and then, optionally, coated with an environmental barrier coating (EBC).