Ultrastrong and Superelastic Infrared Radiation Shield Device Constructed from Ceramic Meta-Aerogel Sustaining High Temperatures up to 1500 °C

Abstract

Materials exhibiting efficient thermal camouflage are garnering significant interest for their critical applications in advanced technological fields, including defense and aerospace. Ceramic fiber aerogels are widely employed as infrared stealth materials owing to their excellent thermal insulation and structural stability. However, technological advancements have led to localized temperatures in some advanced equipment reaching approximately 1500 °C, which imposes stricter requirements on infrared stealth materials. Under such extreme high-temperature conditions, ceramic nanofiber aerogels are susceptible to irreversible damage due to malignant grain growth. This can lead to infrared exposure or even equipment disintegration, a problem that has remained unresolved. In this study, we prepared ceramic fiber materials with excellent mechanical properties at 1500 °C through crystal structure design. The excellent overall performance of the infrared radiation shield device arises from a unique cell cavity structure. This structure is formed by interlocking multi-sized fibers and interfacially bonding with an aluminum foil. Under the extreme temperature of 1500 °C, the shield device fabricated with aluminum foil interfacial bonding exhibited a cold surface radiation temperature of only 65 °C, successfully achieving infrared stealth. After 30 min, the device withstood 1000 compression cycles and exhibited no structural failure under high-frequency vibration. This next-generation infrared stealth device features exceptional heat resistance and mechanical performance, providing reliable protection for personnel and equipment in extreme environments.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Excellent mechanical properties / Thermal insulation / Infrared radiation shield device / Oxide ceramic meta-aerogels

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Funding

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2232025A-07)

Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader(23XD1400100)

Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipality(23ZR1401400)

Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(24xtcx00300)

Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund administered by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U24A2073)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China

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