3M™ Nextel™ Ceramic Fibres are used as structural reinforcements in a variety of metal, ceramic and polymer composites, making them stiffer and stronger.  This is because they offer:

• High creep resistance
• Low shrinkage
• Very high compressive strength

Suitable for load-bearing applications, the resulting composites withstand higher temperatures than metals, at a lighter weight.

Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC)

Because of their strength, light weight, creep resistance and ability to withstand higher temperatures, ceramic matrix composites are being used in an increasing number of demanding applications such as jet engines, gas turbines and industrial furnaces to replace metals and metallic alloys. CMCs reinforced with Nextel ceramic fibres enable the production of components with complex geometries that are resistant to oxidation and thermal shock.

CMCs based on Nextel ceramic fibres are being used in high temperature metal treating environments as a charge carrier support to help mitigate oxidation issues.

CMCs made with Nextel ceramic fibres also offer low thermal capacity and good thermal heat permeability as protective tubes and kiln rollers.

Metal Matrix Composite (MMC)

Metal matrix composites reinforced with 3M™ Nextel™ ceramic textiles enable the production of high-performance components that are half the weight of steel or cast iron, but with equal or better strength and stiffness. As such, they can be used in a variety of automotive applications, either as complete components or as reinforcing inserts into other materials. For example, MMCs using Nextel have been used in aluminum disc brake calipers and pushrods, to significantly reduce component weight, while maintaining desired stiffness.

Made from continuous alpha alumina fibres, Nextel ceramic fibre 610 works especially well in aluminum matrix composites.

Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC)

Strong, lightweight and stiff, PMCs reinforced with 3M™ Nextel™ Ceramic Fibres are ideal for use in a wide range of aviation applications, including radomes, ducting and other structural components. They offer very high compressive strength and are electrically non-conductive and electromagnetically transparent.

Polymer based composites reinforced with Nextel ceramic fibres are designed for applications requiring strength and stiffness combined with electrical non-conductivity and electromagnetic transparency, such as structural aircraft components, rotor blades and radomes.

The physical properties of Nextel 610 and 720 can be found in this datasheet.

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