Large-scale, flexible and high-temperature resistant ZrO2/SiC ultrafine fibers with a radial gradient composition

Abstract

Novel ultrafine ZrO₂/SiC fibers with a radial gradient composition were prepared by a simple electrospinning technique combined with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared ZrO₂/SiC fibers were analyzed by a combination of characterizations. It was found that the content of Zr was gradually reduced from the surface to the inside of the ZrO₂/SiC fiber. The gradient composition was formed in situ during maturation rather than a subsequent pyrolysis process. The ZrO₂/SiC fibers with a gradient composition and different crystalline structures were obtained by pyrolysis in Ar at different temperatures. The gradient ZrO₂ composition endows the fabricated fibers with better high-temperature stability (>1800 °C) and much superior erosion resistance over normal SiC fibers and ZrO₂/SiC composite fibers without gradient composition. Combining the low thermal conductance of ZrO₂ with the excellent infrared heat radiation interference ability of SiC, the radial gradient fibers may have potential applications in thermal insulation systems and some other rigorous environments.