METHOD OF MAKING CERAMIC COMPOSITE ARTICLES AND ARTICLES MADE THEREBY

A method is provided for producing a self-supporting ceramic composite body having a plurality of spaced apart wall members, each wall member having a bounded cross-section for defining substantially continuous, fluid passageways. The wall members generally inversely replicate in opposed directions the geometry of a positive pattern. Each of the wall members, which are axially aligned, comprises a ceramic matrix having a filler embedded therein, and is obtained by the oxdiation reaction of a parent metal to form a polycrystalline material which comprises the oxidation reaction product of the parent metal with an oxidant and, optionally, one or more metals, e.g. nonoxidized constituents of the parent metal.