Scientists from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics have achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of high-performance silicon carbide (SiC) mirrors. Utilizing the vat photopolymerization technique (VPP), they have successfully reduced the residual silicon and carbon content in SiC composites, enhancing their mechanical properties and paving the way for more efficient and reliable optical systems.
In the realm of optical technology, SiC mirrors are valued for their excellent thermal stability and lightweight properties. However, traditional methods of SiC composite preparation often leave behind residual silicon and carbon, compromising the material's overall performance. To address this challenge, the research team introduced a multiphase carbon infiltration modification process, which involved carbon precursor infiltration pyrolysis (CPIP) and graphitization techniques.
The process begins with the preparation of a porous SiC preform. Through CPIP, multiphase carbon is infused into the preform, followed by a reactive melt infiltration (RMI) step that significantly reduces the residual silicon content. Finally, a partial graphitization process eliminates residual carbon, leaving behind a SiC composite with improved crystallinity and mechanical properties.
The results of this research are promising. Not only has the team succeeded in reducing the unwanted residual elements, but they have also demonstrated significant improvements in the SiC composite's mechanical strength and durability. This advancement is expected to have far-reaching implications in the field of optical systems, enabling the development of lighter, more thermally stable mirrors that can withstand extreme conditions.
The research, published in a recent issue of a leading scientific journal - Additive Manufacturing, represents a significant milestone in the quest for high-performance SiC mirrors. With further optimization and development, these advanced SiC composites could find their way into a wide range of applications, from space exploration to high-energy physics experiments.
中文
