Abstract: A method for coating ceramic fibers such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 fibers includes immersing the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 fibers in a polyelectrolyte solution. After the polyelectrolyte is allowed to adsorb on the fibers, the unabsorbed polyelectrolyte is washed from the fibers with a distilled water. The fibers are then deposited in an oxide solution such as SnO.sub.2. The SnO.sub.2 is allowed to adsorb on the fibers, and then the unabsorbed SnO.sub.2 is washed from the fibers with the distilled water. The fibers are then sintered at a temperature ranging from 400.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making ceramic fibers from a water soluble pre-ceramic polymer solution by forming fibers from a water soluble pre-ceramic polymer solution, drying the formed fibers at a first temperature ranging between 600.degree. C.-750.degree. C. at a temperature heating rate of about 1.degree. C. per minute. Next, raising the first temperature to a second temperature ranging from 800.degree. C.-1000.degree. C. at about 5.degree. C. per minute, and increasing the second temperature to still a third temperature of about 1200.degree. C. at about 10.degree. C. per minute and holding at the third temperature for about 1 hour. Finally, the fibers are cooled to room temperature at a rate of about 5.degree. C. to 30.degree. C. per minute.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to manufacturing apparatus for forming an integral three-dimensional object from individually contoured laminations of the same or gradually varying shape, successive laminae of that object being produced out of thin sheet or powder based materials through the cutting, fusing or physicochemical property changing action generated by a computer directed beam of concentrated energy or matter, successive substantially planar laminations of that object being automatically stacked together for step-wise laminar buildup of the desired three-dimensional object.

Abstract: An improved method of making a ceramic tube includes preparing a tube from ceramic fibers with filament winding. The tube is impregnated with a pre-ceramic water soluble polymer solution. The impregnated tube is dried and heated to a temperature of about 500.degree. C. with the impregnating and heating steps being repeated.

Abstract: A method of making water soluble pre-ceramic polymers includes heating hydrated metal salts above their melting points. A flow of air drives off water and most of the ligands. Polymerization occurs in the melt and the remaining side groups make the polymer soluble in water. Solubilization in water is accomplished by mixing the polymer with distilled water and heating the mixture at a temperature higher than about 60.degree. C. Thus prepared polymer solutions may be used to form fibers, films, and composite matrices.

Abstract: A method for fabricating Y.sub.3 Al.sub.5 O.sub.12 (YAG) fibers from water soluble polymers includes a pre-YAG polymer synthesis, with solution viscosity adjustment followed by fiber spinning and heat treatment. The polymer synthesis employs polar solvents such as water or alcohol with a carboxylic acid containing at least two carboxyl groups.