Development of Single-Crystal α-Al2O3 Fibers by Vapor-Liquid-Solid Deposition (VLS) from Aluminum and Powdered Silica

Al2O3 fibers for strengthening of high-temperature composites have been grown by a simple method that uses cheap, readily available raw materials and relatively low temperatures. The fibers are characterized and the mechanism of growth discussed. The Figure shows a characteristic fiber ending drop, which indicates that vapor–liquid–solid deposition is probably the main formation mechanism.