Zirconia-alumina multiphase ceramic fibers with exceptional thermal stability by melt-spinning from solid ceramic precursor

Zirconia-alumina multiphase ceramic fibers with 80 wt% (Z80A20 fiber) and 10 wt% (Z10A90 fiber) proportions of zirconia were prepared via melt-spinning and calcination from solid ceramic precursors synthesized by controllable hydrolysis of metallorganics. The zirconia-alumina multiphase fibers had a diameter of about 10 mu m and were evenly distributed with alumina and zirconia grains. The Z80A20 and Z10A90 ceramic fibers had the highest filament tensile strength of 1.78 GPa and 1.87 GPa, respectively, with a peak value of 2.62 GPa and 2.71 GPa. The Z80A20 ceramic fiber has superior thermal stability compared to the Z10A90 ceramic fiber and a higher rate of filament strength retention due to the stability in grain size. After heat treatment at 1100 degrees C, 1200 degrees C, and 1300 degrees C for 1 h respectively, the filament tensile strength retention rate of Z80A20 ceramic fibers was 87 %, 80 %, and 40 %. While Z10A90 ceramic fiber was fragile after being heated at 1300 degrees C. The results showed that the high zirconia content facilitated the fiber's thermal stability.