Ceramic matrix composites are materials in which one or more different ceramic phases are purposefully added to another in order to improve some property. Ceramic matrix composites are made of ceramics, including the matrix and the reinforcements. Ceramic matrix composites are brittle, have a high hardness, and some are transparent; they are resistant to wear and corrosion, and have a longer fatigue life. Carbon, glasses, glass-ceramics, oxides, and non-oxides are some of the primary reinforcements used in ceramic matrices. In comparison, the matrix and reinforcements of carbon-carbon matrix composites are pure carbon. They are made of a carbon-fiber woven mesh. They are useful for high strength and stiffness modulus. It is a lightweight material that can withstand temperatures of up to 3000 degrees Celsius. Human hair typically ranges from 60 m to 100 m in length, whereas carbon fiber ranges from 5 m to 10 m. Carbon-carbon composites are lightweight, have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, low conductivity, and are resistant to thermal shock.
