Progresses on the Optimal Processing and Properties of Highly Porous Rare Earth Silicate Thermal Insulators

High-temperature thermal insulation materials challenge extensive oxide candidates such as porus SiO2, Al2O3, yttria-stabilized zirconia, and mullite, due to the needs of good mechanical, thermal, and chemical reliabilities at high temperatures simultaneously. Recently, porous rare earth (RE) silicates have been revealed to be excellent thermal insulators in harsh environments. These materials display attractive properties, including high porosity, moderately high compressive strength, low processing shrinkage (near-net-shaping), and very low thermal conductivity. The current critical challenge is to balance the excellent thermal insulation property (extremely high porosity) with their good mechanical properties, especially at high temperatures. Herein, we review the recent developments in processing techniques to achieve extremely high porosity and multiscale strengthening strategy, including solid solution strengthening and fiber reinforcement methods, for enhancing the mechanical properties of porous RE silicate ceramics. Highly porous RE silicates are highlighted as emerging high-temperature thermal insulators for extreme environments. Key words: Porous rare earth silicate ceramics, Thermal insulation materials, Preparation methods, Microstructure, Properties