Porous aluminum oxide insulation materials tested in space mission

The eventual aim of this research work was to develop a new low-cost synthesis route to produce ultralight aluminum oxide ceramic fibers for high temperature insulation. This paper mainly focuses on the application of Al 2 O 3 fibers as insulation materials in space vehicles. The study extended to check the fibers during the launch and in the conditions of space by a satellite test. The materials were monitored by thermo-vacuum and vibration tests before the launch. The long-term stability, the daily maximum and minimum temperature, and the temperature fluctuation were investigated in the satellite test. The data derived from satellite was collected in about 9 months. The other focus of this study was the characterization of fibers at high temperature. Al 2 O 3 fibers were prepared by a new solution method and electrospinning technique. The developed Al 2 O 3 fibers can be characterized by 0.035–0.037 W⋅mK −1 thermal conductivity, excellent heat resistance (up to 1600 °C), and good flexibility.