Preparation and properties of continuous Al-containing silicon carbide fibers

Continuous SiC(OAl) fibers, named KD-A fibers, were prepared by the melt-spinning of ceramic precursor polyaluminocarbosilane, air-curing, and pyrolizing at 1 300 ℃. These fibers contained small amount of aluminum and 7%- 9% oxygen. The KD-A fibers were converted into sintered SiC(Al) fibers, named KD-SA, by sintering at 1 800 ℃. The fibers were characterized by chemical analysis, tensile strength test, SEM and XRD. The tensile strength, elastic modulus and diameter of the KD-A fibers are 2.6 GPa, 210 GPa, 12 - 14 μm, respectively. The KD-A fibers have higher thermal stability, more excellent oxidation resistance than the Nicalon fibers. The properties of the KD-A fibers have reached the level of Hi-Nicalon fibers. The tensile strength, elastic modulus and diameter of the KD-A fibers are 2.1 GPa, 405 GPa, 10 - 12 μm, respectively. The KD-SA fibers with nearly stoichiometric component have stable performance at high temperature, and better creep resistance than the Tyranno SA fibers.