Scientists develop advanced ceramic composite materials using preceramic paper technology, improving strength and heat resistance for aerospace and transportation applications.
Scientists have developed a new method for producing high-temperature composite materials designed for the aerospace and transportation industries.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science, researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University, together with international colleagues, introduced an innovative approach to manufacturing ceramic composites. Their work was reported by TASS.
Innovative Preceramic Paper Technology
For the first time, scientists used complex preceramic paper filled with carbide and oxide powders to create advanced composite materials. By adjusting the proportion of these fillers, researchers can control key properties of the material, including:
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Strength
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Porosity
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Density
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Mechanical performance
This flexibility allows engineers to design materials tailored for extreme environments, such as those experienced in aerospace and high-performance transport systems.
High-Temperature Performance and Strength
The team produced composite materials based on titanium carboaluminide and aluminum oxide using spark plasma sintering — an advanced consolidation technique.
One of the most significant results was a dense composite containing 30% aluminum oxide, manufactured at 1150°C. This material demonstrated:
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High strength
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Increased hardness
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Better physical and mechanical properties compared to composites made solely from aluminum oxide
However, researchers also found that increasing the oxide content beyond this level reduces density and overall strength, highlighting the importance of precise material composition.
International Collaboration
The study involved experts from the TPU School of Nuclear Science and Engineering and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
The research was supported by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science under the “Priority 2030” federal program within the “Youth and Children” national project. The findings were published in the scientific journal Materials Letters.
Why This Matters
This new composite manufacturing approach offers several advantages:
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Improved heat resistance for extreme operating conditions
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Customizable mechanical properties
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Potential for complex-shaped aerospace components
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Enhanced durability for next-generation aircraft and transport systems
The development marks an important step toward more efficient, lightweight, and heat-resistant materials that could significantly improve aerospace engineering and advanced transportation technologies.
