B₂O₃) develops a BN-coating up to 10 nm (4 x 10^-4 mils) thick when it is heated in NH₃ (Khasgiwale et.al., 1995). This process has led to the development of low cost Blackglass™ ceramic composites. Other fiber surface modifications have also been demonstrated, for example, the formation of fibers with metal-modified surfaces by exposing spinel fibers to reducing environments (Sowman, 1988). The committee recommends that research on ceramic oxide fiber processing include fiber surface modifications and the development of in-situ coatings.