High-temperature flexible, strength and hydrophobic YSZ/SiO2 nanofibrous membranes with excellent thermal insulation

A yttria-stabilized zirconia mixed silica nanofibrous membrane (YSZ/SiO2 NFM) was fabricated by the electrospinning method. The well-aligned 3D membrane structure and the composite nanocrystalline-amorphous structure with fine zirconia grain and amorphous silica network, which greatly improved the mechanical properties of YSZ/SiO2 NFMs. The strength of the ceramic fibrous membrane after heat treatment at 1300℃ was reported for the first time, the tensile strength can reach 4.0 ± 0.7 MPa and the strain can reach 5.3 ± 1.1 %. The use temperature of YSZ NFMs was increased by nearly 300℃. The maximum strength was up to 5.9 ± 0.8 MPa, which is currently reported that the highest strength of oxide ceramic nanofibers at the same temperature. The YSZ/SiO2 NFMs after high temperature treatment not only had a good thermal insulation performance, but also had a hydrophobic performance. These attractive properties may provide new opportunities for flexible materials such as high-temperature insulation, fire insulation, and flexible electronics.