Development of high-strength continuous zirconia fibers for oxide/oxide composites

Abstract

The development of a basic process for the mass production of continuous zirconia fibers with a tensile strength of more than 2 GPa is being extensively researched. It is expected that the use of oxide/oxide composites will improve the performance of jet engines. In this study, continuous zirconia fibers with diameters and crystal sizes below 10 µm and 10 nm, respectively, were synthesized using a dry-spinning method by employing molecular-designed precursor polymers. In addition, strength-enhancing fibers were developed by improving the precursors, solvents, and infusibilization/sintering conditions. The properties of the fibers were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical tensile tests. Furthermore, the application of the as-prepared materials as reinforcements for ceramic matrix composites is presented.