Inorganic Fibers—Formation and Properties

Abstract

Inorganic fibers offer unique combinations of mechanical properties and thermal stability, making them leading candidates for both flexible fibrous materials and reinforcement for structural and ablative composites.

Research on development of new and improved inorganic fiber systems is directed toward both these utilization areas. Effort is being expended on improved flexibility, primarily through fiber-diameter reduction, for flexible materials, and on increased levels of mechanical properties for reinforcement. Development of improved glasses for advanced systems is being actively pursued. Recently, considerable emphasis has been placed on research leading to superior carbon and graphite fibers and yarns. Other inorganic fibers of current interest include metallies, both superalloy and refractory, and polycrystalline ceramic fibers.