Progress in multicomponent ceramic fibers applied in high-temperature and harsh environments: Multiscale structural optimization

High-performance ceramic fibers are critical materials for future space transportation aircraft, space camps and energy storage and power generation, owing to their excellent thermal insulation properties, temperature resistance and lightweight characteristics. At elevated temperatures, traditional binary ceramic fibers suffer from rapid coarsening and pulverization. Inspired by the superior thermal stability of high-entropy alloys, recent research has focused on developing multi-component ceramic fibers to overcome the challenge of reconciling low thermal conductivity with high-temperature strength. Here, we present an overview of the cutting-edge progress of ceramic fibers in recent years, consisting of high-temperature performance regulation strategies and inherent mechanisms. First, the compositional evolution of ceramic fibers is reviewed. Subsequently, structural design and performance optimization strategies are explored, including microstructural stabilization and refinement, micro-nano fiber diameter engineering, biomimetic design, and protective coatings. Finally, some perspectives about the key challenges in the high-temperature application of multi-component ceramic fibers and future development directions are discussed.