Melt extraction processing of structural Y2O3-Al2O3 fibers

Compounds in the system Y2O3-Al2O3 are promising materials for optical, ele ctronic and structural applications. In this study, a melt extraction proce ss with a new approach to making ceramic fibers was used to produce amorpho us fibers in the Y2O3-Al2O3 system within the 20-30-micron size range. Smoo th and uniform cross section fibers with relatively high tensile strength w ere obtained depending on the wheel velocity. X-ray diffraction of as-extra cted fibers revealed the non-crystalline nature of the yttria-alumina compo sitions. The crystallization and glass transition temperatures of non-cryst alline fibers were determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Cr ystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction in the fibers after h eat treatment. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.