Ceramic Fiber Manufacturing

TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop the technology needed to set up a domestic manufacturing facility for making ceramic fibers from a preceramic polymer. The proposed fibers have previously demonstrated a dielectric constant below 3.0, and excellent retention of tensile strength to 1700 °C. That combination is ideal for the development of radomes that require microwave transparency and dimensional stability at extreme temperatures, as is required for all forms of hypersonic craft. The ceramic fibers made during this project will then be available for integration into a ceramic matrix composite suitable for use above 1500 °C as a radome or aperture. At the end of Phase II, we expect to have the processes, procedures and equipment in place to provide the fibers needed by radome manufacturers to prototype and low rate initial production runs.