Studies on Preparation and Property of 2.5D SiO2f/ SiO2 Composites

Abstract: In this paper, 2.5D SiO2f/SiO2 composites were fabricated via sol-gel process employing 2.5D braided silica fiber fabrics as reinforcements and high pure silicasol as slurry. The process parameters are optimized and the optimal parameters are as follows: the silicasol of 30.8 wt. % as slurry, microwave drying, and sintering at 900 °C. Utilizing the optimal process parameters, the density and the flexural strength of the composites can reach 1.65 g•cm-3 and 80.68 MPa respectively. Dielectric properties of the 2.5D SiO2f/SiO2 composites were also measured, and the real part of the permittivity is 3.40 at 5 GHz. The excellent mechanical and dielectric properties of the 2.5D SiO2f/SiO2 composites can well meet the requirements of radome materials.