Processing technology of ceramic matrix composites: biblio-metric and knowledge map analysis

Abstract

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are difficult-to-machine materials whose processing technologies have attracted growing attention. This study provides the first bibliometric and knowledge-mapping analysis focused specifically on CMC processing methods, drawing on 761 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (1990–2024). Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix, the publication trends, author and institutional collaboration networks, influential countries, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution are examined. The findings reveal three development stages, with rapid growth since 2018, and highlight China’s dominance in volume but lower citation impact compared to the US and Germany. Keyword and burst analyses show a transition from material property studies to hybrid and non-conventional processing methods. Importantly, our analysis also reveals structural patterns – such as sparse institutional collaboration networks and thematic knowledge silos – which we interpret as potential bottlenecks that may hinder the translation of research volume into breakthrough innovations. These interpretations are proposed as hypotheses that merit further investigation rather than as definitive conclusions. This work contributes by clarifying research trajectories, exposing knowledge gaps, and offering evidence-based guidance for future directions in CMC processing research.