Control of Ti content in SiO2-TiO2 fibers syntehsized by TiCl4 curing method

Abstract

Melt-spun silicone resin fibers were exposed to TiCl4 vapor with an Ar gas flow. Ti was incorporated to the silicone fiber by this process and the fiber was converted to SiO2-TiO2 fibers after pyrolysis in air. By adjusting the curing time and temperature, the content of Ti in resulting fibers can be controlled. The most of Ti, however, exits in the form of TiCl4 in polymer network and does not accept simple hydrolysis before the pyrolysis. Rutile becomes dominant in particular at inner area of the fibers.