Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises automatically laying up CMC plies. Laying up plies includes transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool; applying heat to the CMC ply; and stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply. In various embodiments, CMC plies may be laid up using an automated machine. In some embodiments, a CMC ply may be transferred to a layup tool using an automated machine and the CMC ply may be stacked with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine.

Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises automatically laying up CMC plies. Laying up plies includes transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool; applying heat to the CMC ply; and stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply. In various embodiments, CMC plies may be laid up using an automated machine. In some embodiments, a CMC ply may be transferred to a layup tool using an automated machine and the CMC ply may be stacked with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine.

A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) hollow blade includes a CMC airfoil, which includes at least one airfoil CMC ply, at least one cavity CMC ply, and an insert. The airfoil CMC ply defines the contour of the CMC airfoil including a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first side extending from the first edge to the second edge, and a second side opposite the first side. The cavity CMC ply defines a cavity within the CMC airfoil. The insert is located between the first edge and the cavity. The insert is wrapped by a CMC ply such that the CMC ply extends along the insert from the first side of the CMC airfoil across the mean camber line of the CMC airfoil and to the second side of the CMC airfoil. The CMC ply terminates on the second side of the CMC airfoil.

A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) hollow blade includes a CMC airfoil, which includes at least one airfoil CMC ply, at least one cavity CMC ply, and an insert. The airfoil CMC ply defines the contour of the CMC airfoil including a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first side extending from the first edge to the second edge, and a second side opposite the first side. The cavity CMC ply defines a cavity within the CMC airfoil. The insert is located between the first edge and the cavity. The insert is wrapped by a CMC ply such that the CMC ply extends along the insert from the first side of the CMC airfoil across the mean camber line of the CMC airfoil and to the second side of the CMC airfoil. The CMC ply terminates on the second side of the CMC airfoil.

Methods, systems, and processes are used to prepare novel ceramic composite structures that are strong, durable, light-weight, high performance and suitable for a myriad of industrial applications, including, but not limited to, ceramic plates of material suitable for use as ballistic armor. The low manufacturing costs of the processes disclosed provide cheaper, faster ways of producing ceramic matrix composites at lower temperatures and allow for the existence of composite materials and structures which currently are not available.

A coating system on a CMC substrate is provided, along with methods of its tape deposition onto a substrate. The coating system can include a bond coat on a surface of the CMC substrate; a first rare earth silicate coating on the bond coat; a first sacrificial coating of a first reinforced rare earth silicate matrix on the at least one rare earth silicate layer; a second rare earth silicate coating on the sacrificial coating; a second sacrificial coating of a second reinforced rare earth silicate matrix on the second rare earth silicate coating; a third rare earth silicate coating on the second sacrificial coating; and an outer layer on the third rare earth silicate coating. The first sacrificial coating and the second sacrificial coating have, independently, a thickness of about 4 mils to about 40 mils.

A coating system on a CMC substrate is provided, along with methods of its tape deposition onto a substrate. The coating system can include a bond coat on a surface of the CMC substrate; a first rare earth silicate coating on the bond coat; a first sacrificial coating of a first reinforced rare earth silicate matrix on the at least one rare earth silicate layer; a second rare earth silicate coating on the sacrificial coating; a second sacrificial coating of a second reinforced rare earth silicate matrix on the second rare earth silicate coating; a third rare earth silicate coating on the second sacrificial coating; and an outer layer on the third rare earth silicate coating. The first sacrificial coating and the second sacrificial coating have, independently, a thickness of about 4 mils to about 40 mils.

An injection system comprises a fluid control member and a reciprocating member; wherein the fluid control member is configured to form a carbon composite-to-metal seal with the reciprocating member in response to application of a compressive force; the carbon composite comprising carbon and a binder containing one or more of the following: SiO.sub.2; Si; B; B.sub.2O.sub.3; a filler metal; or an alloy of the filler metal, and the filler metal comprising one or more of the following: aluminum; copper; titanium; nickel; tungsten; chromium; iron; manganese; zirconium; hafnium; vanadium; niobium; molybdenum; tin; bismuth; antimony; lead; cadmium; or selenium.

An injection system comprises a fluid control member and a reciprocating member; wherein the fluid control member is configured to form a carbon composite-to-metal seal with the reciprocating member in response to application of a compressive force; the carbon composite comprising carbon and a binder containing one or more of the following: SiO.sub.2; Si; B; B.sub.2O.sub.3; a filler metal; or an alloy of the filler metal, and the filler metal comprising one or more of the following: aluminum; copper; titanium; nickel; tungsten; chromium; iron; manganese; zirconium; hafnium; vanadium; niobium; molybdenum; tin; bismuth; antimony; lead; cadmium; or selenium.

An apparatus includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component and an interface coating on the CMC component, wherein the interface coating includes a layer of at least one of the following compositions: 40-50 wt % Nb, 28-42 wt % Al, 4-15 wt % Cr, 1-2 wt % Si; 90-92 wt % Mo, 4-5 wt % Si, 4-5 wt % B; or 60-80 wt % V, 20-30 wt % Cr, 2-15 wt % Ti.