'Heat resistant silicone carbide fiber': radiation processing for ceramics

New technology developed by JAERI produced a ultra heat resistant silicone carbide fiber. Polycarbosilane (PCS) fiber is changed to ceramics by the infusible process, the thermal oxidation in the ordinary method and the electron beam radiation in new technology. The physical properties of new PCS fiber showed 1700degC heat resistant (higher 500degC) and kept 1GPa strength at 2000degC. the electric resistance decreased to 1.4 Ohm-cm (103-104 Ohm-cm ordinary PCS) but Young's modulus and the thermal conductivity increased to 270 GPa and 10.1 W/m K, respectively. The crystal type of new PCS fiber is constructed by amorphous particle and a few nm fine crystals shown by X-ray analysis and an electron microscope. New carbon silicone fibers will be used as a part of rocket engine, gas turbine and materials for nuclear fusion reactor and space planes. (S.Y.)