Ceramic Fibre High-Temperature Properties
topic
Room temperature properties—Nextel 610: strength 3.0 GPa, modulus 373 GPa, strain 0.8%. Nextel 720: strength 2.1 GPa, modulus 260 GPa, strain 0.8%. Hi-Nicalon S: strength 2.5 GPa, modulus 420 GPa. High temperature: Nextel 610 retains 70% strength at 1000°C, 40% at 1200°C; grain growth limits to 1300°C. Hi-Nicalon S: 85% strength retention at 1200°C, 60% at 1400°C, excellent creep resistance. Critical: oxidation in air (weight gain), interfacial reactions with matrix, and grain coarsening reducing properties.
Role
High-temperature strength retention and creep resistance differentiate ceramic fibres from all organic and glass fibres, enabling structural applications in jet engines (fan blades, combustor liners) and hypersonic vehicles where operating temperatures reach 1200-1600°C.