The present invention describes various methods for manufacturing gel composite sheets using segmented fiber or foam reinforcements and gel precursors. Additionally, rigid panels manufactured from the resulting gel composites are also described. The gel composites are relatively flexible enough to be wound and when unwound, can be stretched flat and made into rigid panels using adhesives.

A composite material containing a matrix and a fibrous reinforcement, in particular a textile embedded in the matrix. The matrix includes a geopolymer of the poly(phospho-sialate) type having the following formula I: (1) (—P—O—Si—O—Al—O—).sub.n in which n is greater than 2. The matrix further includes zirconium covalently bonded to the matrix, especially in the —ZrO form and/or in the —O—Zr—O form. The matrix has a melting temperature greater than 700° C., especially equal to or greater than 1200° C.

A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25° C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25° C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 μm and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 μm to about 5 μm. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.

A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25° C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25° C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 μm and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 μm to about 5 μm. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.

An electromagnetic coil with improved insulation properties at high temperatures. A bobbin is insulated by a thin ceramic composite layer that is produced by winding a glass or ceramic fiber over the support structure and impregnating it with a pre-ceramic polymer. The pre-ceramic polymer is then modified to form a ceramic SiO.sub.2 matrix around the fibrous layer. The ceramic matrix secures the glass or ceramic fibers in place and produces a dense layer. A ceramic coated magnet wire is then wound around the insulated support structure. The magnet wire is a conductor that is spiral-wrapped with a glass fiber impregnated with a pre-ceramic polymer.

An electromagnetic coil with improved insulation properties at high temperatures. A bobbin is insulated by a thin ceramic composite layer that is produced by winding a glass or ceramic fiber over the support structure and impregnating it with a pre-ceramic polymer. The pre-ceramic polymer is then modified to form a ceramic SiO.sub.2 matrix around the fibrous layer. The ceramic matrix secures the glass or ceramic fibers in place and produces a dense layer. A ceramic coated magnet wire is then wound around the insulated support structure. The magnet wire is a conductor that is spiral-wrapped with a glass fiber impregnated with a pre-ceramic polymer.

A gas sensor 100 includes a housing 110 and with a measuring element 10. The measuring element 10 has a heating coil 20, which is coated with a catalytically active or inactive ceramic 30. The ceramic 30 contains a fibrous material. The fibrous material may be, for example, a glass fiber material.

A gas sensor 100 includes a housing 110 and with a measuring element 10. The measuring element 10 has a heating coil 20, which is coated with a catalytically active or inactive ceramic 30. The ceramic 30 contains a fibrous material. The fibrous material may be, for example, a glass fiber material.

Disclosed is a modified preceramic polymer having a polymer backbone consisting of silicon or a combination of silicon and carbon; and a pendant modifier bonded to the backbone wherein the modifier includes silicon, boron, aluminum, a transition metal, a refractory metal, or a combination thereof. The modified preceramic polymer can be used to form a ceramic matrix composite.

A method of fabricating a composite part, includes forming a fiber preform for the part that is to be obtained by depositing a plurality of fiber structures impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer onto a surface, with deposition being performed by automated fiber placement; eliminating the thermoplastic polymer present in the preform by dissolution with a solvent; and injecting a liquid impregnation composition into the pores of the fiber preform after eliminating the thermoplastic polymer in order to form a matrix in the pores of the fiber preform.