Synthesis of flexible mullite nanofibres by electrospinning based on nonhydrolytic sol–gel method

Abstract Mullite nanofibres with excellent flexibility and high temperature resistance were fabricated by electrospinning method using the nonhydrolytic sol as a precursor. The nonhydrolytic mullite sol exhibited favourable organosolubility and spinnability, due to the residual organic groups in gel particles. The thermal decomposition behaviour, crystallisation development and microstructure evolution of electrospinning precursor fibres were investigated. Results showed that the flexible mullite nanofibres with smooth surface, uniform diameter and small crystal grain size were obtained after the precursor fibres were calcined at 1000 °C for 1 h. In addition, the results also revealed that the mullite nanofibres calcined at 1500 °C still maintained their general fibrous morphology, and thereby they had the potential application in high-temperature industrial and aerospace field. Graphical Abstract