An Advanced Nanotube Composite Fiber for High Temperature Components in Turbomachinery

Innovations in turbomachinery is required to make improvements in performance and efficiency as well as minimizing global climate impact in systems for propulsion, power generation and energy conversion. Advanced high temperature materials that enable high-performance, ultra-high efficiency and environmentally compatible are required. State-of-the-art materials such as ceramic composites do not meet the properties required for dramatic improvements in performance and efficiencies, primarily due to the ceramic fiber reinforcement. Nanotubes are the strongest materials known and do not creep. Recent advancements in nanotubes suggest they can reinforce fibers to produce exemplary properties. Single wall nanotubes, which can be spun into fibers will be utilized to reinforce silicon carbide to produce a fiber without creep and expected strengths over 10GPa. Such high strength fibers without creep will permit composite components enabling advanced designs in turbomachinery for propulsion systems.