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

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 degrees 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.