Nicalon™ SiC Fiber

• NICALON™ ceramic fiber can be used as a reinforcement for plastic, ceramic, and metal matrix composites to produce high performance composite materials. Surface treatments are normally recommended to facilitate processing and maximize composite properties.
• NICALON™ can also be used to form fibrous products such as high temperature insulation, filters, etc. Its resistance to chemical attack allows it to be used in harsh environments

Polymer Matrix Composites
NICALON™ family of products is suitable for incorporation into standard resin prepreg, using conventional prepreg techniques. Unidirectional or oriented prepreg can be produced using continuous fiber, or woven cloth, respectively. Special fiber surface treatments (see Table 3) are normally recommended to maximize fiber property translation into the composite and to afford superior retention of composite properties under hot-wet conditions. Resin systems can include the entire line of thermosets and thermoplastics.
Ceramic Matrix Composites
NICALON™ can be incorporated as the reinforcing phase for a variety of ceramic composites. Standard CMC processing techniques, such as sol-gel, chemical vapor infiltration, melt infiltration or polymer infiltration can be used, depending on the user’s needs and capabilities. Candidate matrix materials include silicon carbide, silicon nitride, alumina, glasses, and  others. Fiber surface treatments are generally removed before making CMC’s, such as by heating to 600⁰C for 30 minutes (see Table 4). Fiber interface coatings, such as BN, are recommended to achieve optimum CMC properties. The specific grade of NICALON™ and the specific processing technique is best determined by the user.
Metal Matrix Composites : Chopped, woven, or continuous NICALON™ ceramic fiber can serve as a reinforcing phase in MMC’s. The specific grade of NICALON™ and the specific processing technique is best determined by the user.

Weaving, Braiding, and Coating : As a textile grade yarn, NICALON™ can be readily incorporated into a large variety of woven tapes, braids, etc. Specialty interface coatings such as BN (often required for optimum CMC mechanical properties) may be applied to the tow or cloth. A network of US contractors exists to respond to customer needs. Contact COI Ceramics to discuss specific needs and receive further information.