EP0177355A2 — Method for manufacturing a composite ceramic structure

USPTO Abstract

A method of producing a composite ceramic structure which avoids problems caused by joining two pre-formed members. The method comprises: preparing a formed ceramic piece (1) which constitutes a portion of the composite ceramic structure; positioning a rubber mold (4) having a molding surface defining the remaining portion of the structure in contact with a joining part of the piece (1) from which the remaining portion of the composite ceramic structure extends; covering an exposed surface of the piece (1), and at least an end of the rubber mold adjacent to the said joining part with an elastic member (3); filling the rubber mold (4) with a mass (8) of ceramic powder which contacts the said joining part, the powder which contacts the said joining part, the powder being of material substantially identical to that of the formed piece (1); applying a static hydraulic pressure to the assembly of the formed piece (1) and powder in the rubber mold (4), thereby compacting the ceramic powder and integrating the compacted mass of ceramic powder with the formed piece (1) and firing the integral piece into the composite structure.