Comparative study on electrospun magnesium silicate ceramic fibers fabricated through two synthesis routes

We report two routes for the electrospinning of magnesium silicate ceramic fibers (MSCFs) using different precursor solutions involving different magnesium sources and synthesis procedures. The thermal decomposition processes and microstructure of the MSCFs were comparatively studied. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the crystalline MgSiO3 phase in the heat-treated fibers. Magnesium sol contained precursor supplied long and straight MSCFs with homogeneous microstructure. Magnesium chloride contained precursor produced coiled or spring-like MSCFs with core-shell structure. The formation mechanism of the unique structure of C2-1000 was briefly analyzed. In addition, true density and specific surface area of MSCFs, and thermal conductivity of fiber tablets were measured. The reported methods can be extended as a general approach to prepare other silicate ceramic fibers. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.