Flexible, controllable, and high-strength near-infrared reflective Y2O3 nanofiber membrane by electrospinning a polyacetylacetone‑yttrium precursor

High-quality reflective screens constitute an important part of multi-layer insulation materials. However, the metal foils currently used as thermal reflective screens are easily oxidized in an oxidizing environment. Nanoscale yttrium oxide exhibits high reflectivity in the near-infrared (NIR) region, as well as excellent stability in an oxidizing environment. The material also shows potential for application as a high-temperature reflective screen. A high near-infrared reflective Y 2 O 3 nanofiber membrane was successfully prepared by electrospinning a synthetic polyacetylacetone‑yttrium (PAY) precursor into precursor fibers, followed by heat treatment. The new polyorganometallic precursor PAY with 42% Y 2 O 3 content was synthesized by adjusting the ratio of acetylacetone to YCl 3 ·6H 2 O. The crystallization, microstructure and NIR reflectivity of the Y 2 O 3 nanofiber membrane were analyzed. The tensile strength of the Y 2 O 3 nanofiber membrane was evaluated. The strength of the Y 2 O 3 nanofiber membrane with good flexibility, prefect morphology and high crystallinity could reach 1.6 MPa, and its NIR reflectivity could reach 95%. High-temperature heat-reflective testing shows that the Y 2 O 3 nanofiber membrane exerts a reflective effect on thermal radiation at 1500 °C. It could be continuously used as a reflective screen for high-temperature insulation materials in a high-temperature oxidizing environment.