3M Ceramic Fibres & Textilesfor Aerospace

Lightweighting with improved performance

3M™ Nextel™ Ceramic Fibers and Textiles are proven as flame and heat shielding materials as well as reinforcement for structural composites in civilian and military applications.

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Table showing the high temperature material usage limits in oxidizing environments when using 3M Nextel Ceramic Fibers

High temperature material usage limits in oxidising environments

Raise your component’s temperature capability while achieving up to a 70% reduction in material density when replacing high temperature metals with Nextel fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites.

Application areas for 3M Nextel ceramic fibers and textiles

Nextel ceramic textiles can withstand extremely high temperatures and are also flexible and lightweight. They provide consistent and reliable performance in mission-critical applications from aircraft wiring insulation to engine firewalls and spacecraft micrometeorite shields. Nextel ceramic fibers are also used as structural reinforcements in advanced metal, ceramic, and polymer composites materials, imparting high temperature resistance for load-bearing applications.

Ceramic matrix components (CMCs)
Made from 3M™ Nextel™ ceramic fibers and textiles, Ox-Ox ceramic matrix composites (Ox-Ox CMC) enable new design possibilities as they can be shaped into complex structures that are more challenging for traditional materials like titanium and nickel alloys. Using innovative designs, Ox-Ox CMC parts can be used to create the next generation of more efficient, lighter weight, quieter engines.

Benefits:

Strength

Creep resistance

Withstand high temperatures

Applications:

Jet engine exhaust mixers

Nozzles

Cones
Fire protection
Compared to alternatives like quartz or glass, fire blankets made with Nextel ceramic fibers are lightweight and flexible, even after being exposed to high, continuous temperatures. This enables high performing fire protection even in tight, complex geometries.

Benefits:

Withstand a flame of 2000ºF (1093°C) for 15 minutes without flame penetration*

Lightweight

Flexible

Applications:

Firewalls

Fan cowls

Engine struts

Various jet engine components

*per ISO 2685 and FAR 25.856(a).