The United States General Electric Company (referred to as GE) has conducted research on SiC_f/SiC composite materials since the 1980s. The successful application and commercialization of GE’s SiC_f/SiC composites in engine systems were achieved after 30 years of continuous investment (nearly 1.5 billion USD) and the collaborative efforts of hundreds of scientists and engineers. This paper details the spiral development history of GE’s prepreg-melt infiltration (MI) SiC_f/SiC composites, focusing on their innovative applications in hot-section components for gas turbines and aero-engines. Through case studies of several critical hot-section components, GE’s research paradigm of “demand traction, technology verification, and engineering iteration”is elucidated. Furthermore, the 10-year progressive design iteration path of the 7FA engine turbine shroud is systematically analyzed, revealing the synergistic optimization logic between service failure feedback and forward design validation. In light of international advancements, this paper interprets GE’s establishment of a“material-process-test”technological barrier through vertical supply chain integration, digital twin-driven process optimization, and machine-learning-based inspection systems. GE’s experience demonstrates that technological breakthroughs require a balance between long-term fundamental research and agile engineering iteration. For domestic development, a closed-loop“design-manufacturing-assessment”research and development process should be established, guided by critical components, alongside multidisciplinary collaboration mechanisms. Additionally, China should strengthen foundational capabilities by leveraging universities and national research and development centers for mechanistic studies, implement multi-dimensional optimization under thermo-mechanical-chemical coupling constraints, accelerate industrial ecosystem construction, integrate fragmented resources, and build rapid“industry-academia-research”verification platforms. A digital transformation strategy encompassing full-chain data acquisition and AI integration is also essential. Finally, by synthesizing successful international practices and adapting them to China’s context, an autonomous development roadmap covering“basic research, pilot verification, standard formulation, and industrial synergy”is proposed, providing methodological guidance for advancing ceramic matrix composite technologies in high-thrust-to-weight-ratio aero-engine applications.

SiC_f/SiC composites were prepared by melt infiltration（MI）process, chemical vapor infiltration combined with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis（CVI+PIP）process and precursor infiltration and pyrolysis（PIP）process, respectively. The microstructures, compositions and properties of SiC_f/SiC composites prepared by different processes before and after water-oxygen corrosion at 1300 ℃ were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and its accompanying EDS and X-ray diffractometer. The results show that the distributions of oxygen elements of the fracture surface is obviously different in the composites prepared by different processes, and the phases after corrosion are closely related to the preparation processes. The strength retention rate and modulus retention rate of SiC_f/SiC composites prepared by MI process are 84% and 76% after water oxygen corrosion at 1300 ℃ for 50 hours. The strength retention rate of SiC_f/SiC composites prepared by CVI+PIP is 64%, and the modulus is increased by 6%. The SiC_f/SiC composites prepared by PIP process has a strength retention rate of 49% and a modulus increase of 17%. The composite materials prepared by MI process show oxidation mass gain, while the composite materials prepared by CVI+PIP and PIP process show oxidation mass loss, which are mainly related to its microstructures and compositions.

Carbide ceramic fibers are of significant importance for application in the high-tech areas of advanced aircraft engines, aerospace vehicles, and the nuclear industry due to their excellent properties, such as high tensile strength and elastic modulus, excellent high-temperature resistance, and oxidation resistance. This paper reviews the preparation and application of different carbide ceramic fibers, including SiC fibers and transition metal carbide (e.g., ZrC, HfC, and TaC) ceramic fibers. The preparation methods of carbide ceramic fibers are discussed in terms of different fiber diameters, represented by SiC fibers with variable weaving properties and functions due to their differences in diameter. Subsequently, the application of carbide ceramic fibers as high-temperature-resistant structural materials, catalyst carriers, sensors, and supercapacitors are summarized, and strategies for the future development of carbide ceramic fibers are proposed. This review aims to help researchers enhance their understanding of the preparation and utilization of carbide ceramic micro/nanofibers, advancing the development of high-performance carbide ceramic fibers.