SBIR/STTR Research Award
Continuous Mullite Fibers for High Temperature Structural Ceramic Composites
Award amount
$375,000Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IIAward year
1994Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Air Force
- Recipient company
- Saphikon, Inc.
- Proposal award date
- Not reported
- Contract end date
- Not reported
- UEI
- Not reported
- Solicitation number
- Not reported
- Topic code
- Not reported
Research abstract
The Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing Mullite (Al6Si2O13) fibers using the Saphikon Edge-defined, Film-fed Growth (EFG) process. The reactivity of mullite melts ranging from 60 to 80 mole percent will be evaluated using crystal growth components fabricated from iridium, and components with a coating of iridium. Fibers will be grown under a range of conditions and evaluated to determine tensile strength at room and elevated (2400 F) temperature. Fiber microstructure will be identified, and comparisons made after extended 2400 F exposure in air. Specimen quantities of fiber will be characterized and made available for Air Force evaluation.
Technology keywords
Not reported