Abstract: An alumina-silica hydrate fiber for thermal protection in the most hazardous environments experienced by firefighters. The fiber has a combination of heat resistance at temperatures above 1,000° C. and an endothermic behavior when heated. Its endothermic condensation reaction releases up to 12% water upon heating, thereby contributing to the thermal insulating properties. The fibers are extremely soft to the touch and do not irritate the skin. They are also non-respirable in the deep lung, so they can be used safely without risk of inhalation. The fabric is sufficiently lightweight and flexible as well, allowing firefighters to move easily. These properties of alumina-silica hydrate fibers enable their use for apparel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of structural hybrid thermoplastic composites where organic and inorganic fibers are well dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The process comprises defibrillating the organic fibers with or without the presence of surface active agents using a mixer at a high shear and at a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of organic fibers and melting point of the surface active agents to separate the hydrogen bonded fibers and generate microfibers, followed by blending and dispersion of the organic fibers in the thermoplastic matrix to produce a fiber composite, followed by further blending and dispersion of the fiber composite with inorganic fibers at a low shear to get the moldable hybrid composite, followed by extrusion, injection or compression-injection molding. Low shear mixing maintains the inorganic fiber length.

Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for reducing water in never-dried fiber comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6) -amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride, the process comprising the steps of: (a) heating the never-dried fiber to a temperature of at least 20° C. but less than 100 ° C. until the moisture content of the fiber is 20 weight percent or less of the fiber; and (b) further heating the fiber to a temperature of at least 350° C.

Abstract: A mat member includes inorganic fibers, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface has a plurality of needle penetration marks and/or a plurality of needle protrusion marks. The second surface has a plurality of needle protrusion marks and/or a plurality of needle penetration marks. A plurality of needle marks are formed in the mat member by needle punching and extend from the needle penetration mark to the needle protrusion mark. An inorganic fiber bundle which includes a plurality of the inorganic fibers oriented in a closed loop configuration is formed at the needle protrusion mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a mid-IR graded microstructure to the end of an As2S3 optical fiber are presented herein. The method and apparatus transfer a microstructure from a negative imprint on a nickel shim to an As2S3 fiber tip with minimal shape distortion and minimal damage-threshold impact resulting in large gains in anti-reflective properties.

Abstract: A method for a fabricating a ceramic material includes providing a mixture of a reactive metallic filler material with a preceramic polysilazane material. The preceramic polysilazane material is then polymerized to form a green body. The green body is then thermally treated in an environment that is substantially free of oxygen to convert the polymerized preceramic polysilazane material into a ceramic material that includes at least one nitride phase that is a reaction product of the reactive metallic filler material and a preceramic polysilazane material.

Abstract: A process for foaming ceramic foams, in which the ceramic foams are produced from a precursor or a mixture of precursors which contain at least one ceramic-forming element and liberates at least one volatile reaction product during an inorganic gelation process. In one embodiment, foaming is based on a precursor containing crystals of the AICI3(Pri2O) complex. The decomposition of the initial precursor produces polymerizing species dissolved in liquid isopropyl chloride. The solvent and growing AIOxCIy(OPri)z species are mixed homogeneously so that the boiling point of the solution is raised above the boiling point of the pure isopropyl chloride. Polymerization takes place in the liquid until a critical polymer size is attained, whereupon a phase separation into polymer rich and solvent rich regions occurs. Since the expelled solvent is suddenly above its boiling point, bubbles start forming instantly.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer/ceramic composite for use in various purposes. For example, the polymer/ceramic composite may be used in orthopedic procedures for replacing bone material, forming an implant, providing an anchor or other appropriate uses. The polymer/ceramic composite may also include selected characteristics such as a hardness, a strength, a bioabsorbability, a biocompatibility or other appropriate characteristics.

Abstract: A process for fabricating ceramic composites employs a thermoplastic photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer in which the component is shape by a variety of standard composite fabrication techniques, such as filament winding, tape winding, and woven cloth winding. The process includes steps of passing ceramic fiber monofilament, tow, mat, or woven cloth through a solution of said thermoplastic photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer, applying ceramic fiber monofilament, tow, mat, or woven cloth to a moving flat substrate, using a compaction roller to press the thermoplastic pre-ceramic polymer coated ceramic fiber onto flat substrate using photo-light of the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light spectrum to induce cross-linking (curing) of the photo-curable pre-ceramic polymer thereby rendering a thermoset polymer and either partially or completely pyrolyzing the now cured pre-ceramic polymer matrix coated ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A process for foaming ceramic foams, in which the ceramic foams are produced from a precursor or a mixture of precursors which contain at least one ceramic-forming element and liberates at least one volatile reaction product during an inorganic gelation process. In one embodiment, foaming is based on a precursor containing crystals of the AlCl3(Pri2O) complex. The decomposition of the initial precursor produces polymerizing species dissolved in liquid isopropyl chloride. The solvent and growing AlOxCly(OPri)z species are mixed homogeneously so that the boiling point of the solution is raised above the boiling point of the pure isopropyl chloride. Polymerization takes place in the liquid until a critical polymer size is attained, whereupon a phase separation into polymer rich and solvent rich regions occurs. Since the expelled solvent is suddenly above its boiling point, bubbles start forming instantly.

Abstract: A mixed polymer liquid is prepared by mixing a polycarbosilane-dissolved organic solvent with poly(methylsilane) and moderated to viscosity of 5–20 Pa·s by heat-treatment to promote partial cross-linking reaction. The mixed-polymer is then melt-spun to fiber at 250–350° C. The fiber is cured by treatment at 100–200° C. in an oxidizing atmosphere, and baked at 1000° C. or higher. Due to thermosetting action of poly(methylsilane), the mixed polymer liquid is continuously melt-spun without breakage, and SiC fiber produced in this way is useful for reinforcement of SiC composite excellent in toughness, strength and heat-resistance.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber having a boron nitride layer in a fiber surface and having the following properties of a to c, a. the existent ratio of boron slopingly increases towards the surface of the fiber, b. the existent ratio of boron in the region of from the fiber surface to a depth of 500 nm is 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, c. the existent ratio of boron in a fiber central portion which is a region of a depth of at least 3 ?m below the fiber surface is 0 to 0.2% by weight, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: There are provided a high-strength zirconia-containing inorganic fiber having excellent alkali resistance, oxidation resistance, catalyst function and/or catalyst-carrying function and a process for the production thereof. The zirconia-containing inorganic fiber is a fiber which is formed of a composite oxide phase comprising a first phase mainly formed of a silica component or silicon carbide and a second phase formed of zirconia, and it is characterized in that the ratio of Zr slopingly increases toward the surface layer of the fiber.

Abstract: A process for producing a SiC ceramic microtube by oxidizing the surface of an organosilicon polymer to become infusible by exposure to an ionizing radiation, extracting the uncrosslinked central portion of the fiber with an organic solvent to make a hollow silicon polymer fiber, and firing it in an inert gas so that it acquires a ceramic nature.

Abstract: A ceramic composite material, for example, a ceramic molded body or a layer obtained by pyrolysis of a starting mixture, containing at least one polymer precursor material and at least one filler, which has an average particle size of less than 200 nm. Such a composite material may be used, for example, for producing fibers, filters, catalyst support materials, ceramic sheathed-element glow plugs, metal-containing reactive composite materials, porous protective shells for sensors, ceramic or partially ceramic coatings or microstructured ceramic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a laminated sheet comprising an alumina fiber precursor, which process comprises spinning out an alumina fiber precursor from a solution mainly comprising an aluminum compound, falling and stacking said alumina fiber precursor on the surface of an accumulator to form a thin lamina sheet of alumina fiber precursor, continuously pulling out said lamina sheet from the accumulator, transferring the resultant lamina sheet to a folding device, and folding the sheet by a predetermined width while stacking the folded sheet and continuously moving the stacking sheet in the direction orthogonal to the folding direction.

Abstract: Transition metal-containing ceramic or carbonaeous material are formed from novel linear polymers containing a random distribution of repeating acetylenic units, organotransition metal complexes, siloxane, boron, silicon, and/or carborane-siloxane units. The precursor thermosets are formed by crosslinking of the linear polymers through the acetylenic units in the polymer backbone. The ceramics may also be formed directly by pyrolysis of the linear polymers. The preceramic polymers are potentially useful for fabricating ceramic fibers and composite materials having enhanced strength, hardness and toughness as well as superior mechanical, optical, electrical and/or magnetic properties.

Abstract: A fiber-bond type ceramic material 4 is produced by using as raw material fibers 1 inorganic fibers of Si—M—C—O synthesized by melt spinning polycarbosilane, then infusibilizing the produced threads, and firing the set threads, forming from the raw material fibers a woven fabric 2 having all the fibers thereof extended perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the direction of compression during the course of a hot-press fabrication at a weaving step 12, heat-treating the woven fabric in the air, thereby preparing a woven fabric of oxidized fibers 3 provided with an oxide layer on the surface thereof at an oxidizing step 14, and subjecting the woven fabric of oxidized fibers to a hot-press fabrication while compressing the fabric in the direction of the compression thereby causing the oxide layers on the surface to adhere fast to each other and form a matrix at a hot-press step 16.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the formation of amorphous boron silicon oxycarbide fibers and crystalline boron-doped silicon carbide fibers wherein the method comprises preparing a blend of a siloxane resin and a carborane-siloxane oligomer, forming the blend into green fibers, and then curing and pyrolyzing the fibers.

Abstract: A high strength, high creep resistant, boron-doped, silicon carbon fiber having no boron nitride coating, originally formed by sintering, is produced by exposing the fiber to a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature equal to or preferably elevated above the sintering temperature and also exposing the fiber to a carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to remove boron and boron nitride. The nitrogen atmosphere step may be performed before or after the carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere step. The resulting, uncoated SiC fibers have tensile strengths greater than approximately 2.0 GPa and Morscher-DiCarlo BSR test creep resistance M values greater than approximately 0.75 at 1400 degrees C. for one hour in argon. The method is applicable to non-sintered fibers as well, in which case the nitrogen exposure is carried out at between approximately 1750 to 2250 degrees C. and the carbon monoxide exposure is carried out at between approximately 1600 to 2200 degrees C.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a ceramic composite fiber in which a second phase is dispersed within a matrix fiber, wherein the matrix consists of a substance selected from alumina, zirconia, mullite, YAG, silica, magnesia, nitrides, carbides, metals, alloys, and polymers; the second phase consists of a substance selected from zirconia, mullite, YAG, other oxides, and metals; and the composite fiber can be produced by synthesizing a fiber from a precursor solution containing the substance of the matrix, and the second phase starting solution dispersed through the solution, and then heating the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the formation of amorphous boron silicon oxycarbide fibers and crystalline boron-doped silicon carbide fibers comprising: preparing a blend of a siloxane resin and a boron-containing polymer, forming the blend into green fibers, and then curing and pyrolyzing the fibers.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for production of polycrystalline ceramic fibers from silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) ceramic fibers wherein the method comprises heating an amorphous ceramic fiber containing silicon and carbon in an inert environment comprising a boron oxide and carbon monoxide at a temperature sufficient to convert the amorphous ceramic fiber to a polycrystalline ceramic fiber. By having carbon monoxide present during the heating of the ceramic fiber, it is possible to achieve higher production rates on a continuous process.

Abstract: The invention relates to new amorphous, high-strength SiBN(C) fibres which are at the same time resistant to high-temperature creep, their production and use.The fibres have a strength at room temperature of >2.5 GPa, a modulus of elasticity of >250 GPa and a creep value m of from 0.4 to 1 (in accordance with standard BSR test, 1 hour, 1400.degree. C.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a ceramic fiber from alkenyl or alkynyl functional resins and to the ceramic fibers produced therefrom. The method comprises (A) forming a fiber from a siloxane resin comprised of R.sup.1.sub.a R.sup.2.sub.b RSiO.sub.(3-a-b)/2 units wherein R is an unsaturated carbon group; each R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting essentially of an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms and functional derivatives thereof; each R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting essentially of an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and functional derivatives thereof; a has a value of 0, 1 or 2; b has a value of 0, 1, or 2 with the proviso that a+b <2; (B) curing the fiber by exposing the fiber to high energy radiation to render it non-fusible; and (C) heating the non-fusible fiber in an inert environment to a temperature above about 800.degree. C. to convert it to a ceramic fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing aluminum nitride, which comprises the steps of preparing a mixed gas consisting essentially of an ammonia gas and at least 0.5% by volume of a hydrocarbon gas, calcining .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or a precursor thereof at 300.degree. to 1,100.degree. C. so as to prepare the .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 having a moisture content of 1 weight % or less; heating the calcined .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the mixed gas at a temperature of 1,200.degree. to 1,700.degree. C., thereby preparing porous aluminum nitride having a specific surface area of 10 m.sup.2 /g or more; and heat-treating the porous aluminum nitride in an atmosphere of an ammonia gas, or a mixed gas of an ammonia gas and an inert gas, at 1600.degree. to 2000.degree. C., so as to make contents of both carbon and oxygen contained in the aluminum nitride 1 weight % or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a ceramic fiber wherein the method comprises (A) forming a green fiber from an alk-1-enyl ether functional siloxane resin of the general formula (R.sup.1 SiO.sub.3/2).sub.q (R.sup.2 SiO.sub.3/2).sub.r (R.sup.1.sub.w R.sup.2.sub.x RSiO.sub.(3-w-x)/2).sub.s (R.sup.1.sub.w R.sup.2.sub.x R.sup.3 SiO.sub.(3-w-x)/2).sub.t wherein R is an alk-1-enyl ether group; each R.sup.1 is selected from an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; each R.sup.2 is selected from an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is an alkenyl group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; w has a value of 0, 1 or 2; x has a value of 0, 1, or 2 with the provisio that w+x.ltoreq.2; q has a value of 0 to 0.98; r has a value of 0 to 0.98; s is greater than zero; t.gtoreq.0; s+t=0.02 to 0.5 and q+r+s+t=1; (B) curing the green fiber to render it non-fusible; and (C) heating the non-fusible fiber in an inert environment to a temperature above 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of preparing polymer derived silicon fibers comprising the steps of providing a spin dope solution comprising a silicon carbide forming organosilicon polymer, preferably polycarbosilane, a solvent, a soluble boron precursor, preferably solid boron hydride, and a nitrogen containing precursor, preferably polyvinylsilazane; spinning the solution to form high strength green fibers; and heat treating the green fibers to produce high strength, homogeneously doped, boron containing fibers. The fibers produced are high strength, homogeneously boron doped silicon carbide fibers with average tensile strength in the range of from about 2.0 to 4.0 GPa at room temperature.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber is made by spinning a plurality of polymeric materials each including at least one ceramic precursor into a composite fiber, and then pyrolysing the composite fiber to form a composite ceramic fiber of non-homogeneous composition. A preferred ceramic material for use in this method is made by pyrolysing an organo-metallic compound dispersed in an organic polymer carrier. The principal products are tailored matrix-compatible ceramic fibers for reinforcements, and have a core-sheath structure made by coaxial spinning methods. A core of desired mechanical properties, such as silicon carbide, is given a chemically appropriate surface layer. Transition metals compounds are preferred, in a range of organo-metallic ceramic precursors that include carborane derivatives. Allowed additives include metal-silicon compounds, other ceramics, corresponding metal oxides and elementary metals.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a composite ceramic fibre which is made from a self-supporting composite polymeric fibre by the conjugate spinning of at least two dissimilar pre-ceramic polymers in shapes varying from cylindrical to ribbon-like, and pyrolysing the spun fibre to form a composite bilateral, core sheath or matrix-fibril ceramic fibre having regions with ceramic compositions derived from each of the polymers, enabling physical and chemical characteristics to be widely varied for use as matrix reinforcements and other applications. A pyrolysis furnace includes countercurrent controlled atmosphere gas flow for chemically stabilizing or modifying the fibres.