Method of making ceramic nanofibers

Abstract

Continuous ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide) nanofibers ( 502, 602, 604, 606, 608, 702, 704, 1102, 1104 ) which are optionally p or n type doped are manufactured by electrospinning a polymeric ceramic precursor to produce fine strands of polymeric ceramic precursor which are then pyrolized. The ceramic nanofibers may be used in a variety of applications not limited to reinforced composite materials ( 400 ), thermoelectric generators ( 600, 700 ) and high temperature particulate filters ( 1200 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing continuous ceramic nanofibers comprising:
 obtaining a polymeric ceramic precursor selected from the group consisting of non-oxide polymeric ceramic precursor and alcoxide polymeric ceramic precursor; dissolving the polymeric ceramic precursor in a solvent to obtain a solution of polymeric ceramic precursor; electrospinning the solution of polymeric ceramic precursor to produce fine strands of continuous polymeric ceramic precursor; and pyrolizing the fine strands of polymeric ceramic precursor.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein: obtaining the polymeric ceramic precursor comprises obtaining a polymeric precursor selected from the group consisting of a silicon carbide precursor and a boron carbide precursor. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein: obtaining the polymeric ceramic precursor comprises obtaining a polysilane. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein obtaining the polymeric ceramic precursor comprises obtaining a polyborane. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2  further comprising: obtaining a dopant bearing compound; and combining the dopant bearing compound with the solution prior to electrospinning.