Assessing the Weavability of Ceramic Fibers
摘要
Ceramic fibers, renowned for their exceptional high-temperature stability, low thermal conductivity, and resistance to thermal shock and corrosion, are pivotal in advanced engineering applications such as aerospace components and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). However, transforming these fibers into complex textile architectures for CMCs poses significant challenges in weavability, which encompasses the fiber’s ability to endure mechanical stresses during weaving without structural failure. This chapter introduces the interplay between the structural characteristics of ceramic fibers and their weavability. Key fiber breakage mechanisms during weaving—including bending-induced tensile strain, abrasive wear, and cyclic fatigue—are analyzed, alongside their implications for preform quality and composite performance. A weavability evaluation framework is presented, focusing on monofilament properties, fiber tow characteristics, mechanical testing, and weaving experimental simulation testing methodologies. Some innovative strategies including self-lubricating sizing treatment and nanofiber wrapping to improve ceramic fiber weavability are discussed. This chapter provides foundational insights for advancing ceramic fiber preform manufacturing, enabling the production of high-performance, near-net-shape composites with minimized fiber weaving damage.