3M (St. Paul, MN, U.S.) launched on July 17 its Nextel DF-13-4500, a 610 fabric that can be used to make oxide-oxide (ox-ox) ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts as an alternative to metal components. A continuous aluminum oxide (alpha alumina) fiber that can be woven into fabrics, Nextel 610 is typically used to reinforce composite parts and provide structural integrity even at continuous temperatures of up to 1000°C. According to 3M, Nextel DF-13-4500 is the company’s highest denier Nextel fabric from the Nextel 610 portfolio, enabling improved material efficiency while maintaining the benefits of ox-ox CMCs.

Ox-ox CMCs are high-strength, high-temperature and oxidation-stable materials that expand the design flexibility, life expectancy and efficiency of parts compared to existing metal parts. Ox-ox CMCs are gaining increased use as a mainstream material option for high-temperature components, especially in the aerospace and advanced energy sectors, and are gaining attention in broader industrial markets.

“The launch of Nextel DF-13-4500 fabric is an important milestone for the 3M Nextel portfolio to continue to increase the market adoption of ox-ox CMCs. The higher denier fabric enables customers to achieve the benefits of ox-ox CMCs but finally at the price that’s more accessible and competitive to metals,” states Clara Choe, 3M advanced materials division’s Nextel global business development manager.

Source: https://www.compositesworld.com/news/3m-launches-high-temperature-oxidation-stable-nextel-ceramic-fabric