Strong yet Flexible TiC-SiC Fibrous Membrane with Long-Time Ultrahigh Temperature Resistance for Sensing in Extreme Environment.

The demand for sensors capable of operating in extreme environment of the fields, such as aerospace vehicles, aeroengines and fire protection, is rapidly increasing. However, developing flexible ceramic fibrous pressure sensors that combine high temperature stability with robust mechanical properties remains a significant challenge. Herein, through precise multi-scale process control, high-strength (2.1 MPa) TiC-SiC flexible fibrous membrane is successfully fabricated. The membrane exhibits exceptional thermal resistance (2000 °C) and long-term thermal stability (1800 °C for 5 h) in the inert atmosphere. Meanwhile, the TiC-SiC fibrous membrane shows excellent oxidation resistance and still achieves strength of 1.8 MPa after being oxidized at 1200 °C for 1 h in air. Remarkably, TiC-SiC fibrous membrane withstands a load of approximately 1400 times its own weight and the ablation of butane flame (~ 1300 °C) for at least 1 h without breaking. Notably, after heat treatment at 1800 °C for 5 h in an argon atmosphere, the TiC-SiC fibrous membrane even sustains pressure-sensing performance for up to 300 cycles. The membrane exhibits stable resistivity up to 900 °C and shows sensing stability under butane flame. The results of this work provide an effective and feasible solution to fill the research gap of flexible fibrous sensors for extreme environments.