‘Fuzzy’ fiber can take next generation rocket engines heat.

A team of scientists, including an Indian-origin associate has created tough ‘fuzzy’ fibers to stand up to the heat and pressure that next generation rocket engines would produce. The ‘fuzzy’ fibers of silicon carbide developed by the Rice university laboratory of materials scientist Pulickel ajayan, in collaboration with NASA act like Velcro and stand up to the punishment that materials experience in aerospace applications. The fibers strengthen composites used in advanced rocket engines that have to withstand temperatures up to 1,600 degree Celsius. Ceramic composites in rocket now being developed use silicon carbide fibers to strengthen the material, but they can crack or become brittle when exposed to oxygen.