Alpha Silicon Carbide Fiber

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 BEA, the prime operating contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking expressions of interest from potential licensees wishing to discuss a potential license agreement for the purpose of commercializing the technology described below. This is not an opportunity to provide goods or services to BEA or DOE. This solicitation will close to response sixty (60) days after publication. Parties interested in obtaining additional information should send their request to: Gary W. Smith Sr. Commercialization Manager Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 At gary.smith@inl.gov INVENTION SUMMARY: BEA has developed a process for making continuous micron diameter alpha silicon carbide (SiC) material directly in a fiber form starting from a carbon fiber substrate. Using controlled process conditions of temperature, gaseous atmosphere and form of the carbon fiber substrate, BEA can produce an alpha SiC fiber. Continuous carbon fibers can be drawn through a furnace containing a controlled heating, reaction and atmosphere zone. Fully converted SiC filaments have a narrow hollow core which can increase overall the fiber mechanical strength and partially converted fibers will have a SiC outer layer over a carbon core fiber. The fiber will retain strength during the conversion, thus making the process suited to continuous processing and low fabrication cost. This novel process for making a unique form of alpha SiC fiber is not available commercially today. Date: 12-21-11