Critical requirements in the formation of continuous ceramic fibre precursors

Abstract

The formation of ceramic fibres from organometallic precursors has been discussed. Critical requirements in precursor polymerization and fibre formation by sol-gel spinning have been highlighted. Silicon alkoxide precursors have been used to study spinnable sols. The influence of stress, environment and temperature-controlled rates of conversion of the precursor fibres on structure and properties of ceramic fibres has been demonstrated. It has been concluded that a broad range of ceramic fibres can be tailored through appropriate precursor synthesis, fibre formation routes and subsequent conversion to the desired ceramic structures for composites.