Behavior of Ceramic Composite Material Based on ZrO2 Fibers in a Concentrated Solar Radiation Field

The behavior of a heat-protective ceramic composite material based on ZrO 2 fibers in a concentrated solar energy flux under conditions of a strongly nonequilibrium temperature and light field is demonstrated. A change in its structure and morphology depending on the heat treatment temperature is displayed. During an experiment the maximum surface temperature of a specimen based on ZrO 2 fibers reaches 1600°C, which is significantly lower than the operating temperature of materials based on ZrO 2 . As a result of a concentrated flow of solar energy on heat-protective material based on ZrO 2 fibers, sintering, shrinkage, deformation, and fracture effects are observed, and the material loses its physical, mechanical and heat insulation properties.