SBIR Phase II: Synthesis of Non-Equilibrium Fibers

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)二期项目将为大规模生产化学成分和尺寸得到很好控制的连续玻璃纤维奠定技术基础，这种连续玻璃纤维是由形成无粘熔体的氧化物材料制成的。这一过程基于已证明的在低于正常熔点的温度下创造和保持液体处于过冷、非平衡状态的能力。液体的粘度在过冷状态下会增加，从而使通常不支持拉丝操作的材料可以形成具有独特性能的玻璃纤维。在第一阶段，论证了从红外线光传输、光纤激光器和结构应用中应用的材料生产光纤的可行性。第二阶段的研究将扩大光纤的生产，并为第三阶段合作伙伴的应用研发提供材料。拟议的第二阶段研究将为电信、医疗、涡轮发动机行业的光纤激光器、红外传输和陶瓷复合材料提供先进的氧化物玻璃纤维材料。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will establish the technical basis for large scale manufacturing of continuous glass fibers with well-controlled chemical composition and dimensions, from oxide materials which form inviscid melts. The process is based on the demonstrated ability to create and maintain liquids in an undercooled, non-equilibrium state at temperatures below the normal melting point. The viscosity of the liquid increases in the undercooled state, allowing glass fibers with unique properties to be formed from materials that normally do not support fiber pulling operations. In Phase I, the feasibility of producing fibers from materials with applications in infra-red optical transmission, fiber laser, and structural application was demonstrated. The Phase II research will scale-up production of fibers and provide materials to collaborating Phase III partners for applications R&D. The proposed Phase II research will provide advanced oxide glass fiber materials for fiber lasers, infrared transmission, and ceramic composites in the telecommunications, medical, turbine engine industries.