Single-layer ceramic-based knit fabric for high temperature bulb seals

A method of forming a knit fabric, comprising:

• simultaneously feeding a continuous ceramic strand and a continuous load-relieving process aid strand through a first material feeder and a first metal alloy wire through a second material feeder to form a multi-component yarn, wherein the continuous ceramic strand is served around the continuous load-relieving process aid strand;
• knitting the multi-component yarn to form a single-layer of the multi-component yarn;
• and
• interweaving at least one wire inlay into the knit fabric,
• wherein the at least one wire inlay comprises a first straight wire segment aligned with a knit direction of the multi-component yarn, a second straight wire segment aligned with the knit direction, and an angled straight wire segment that couples the first straight wire segment and the second straight wire segment, wherein the first straight wire segment is offset a vertical distance from the second straight wire segment.

A knit fabric, comprising:

• a single-layer of a multi-component yarn, the multi-component yarn comprising:
• a continuous ceramic strand;
• a continuous load-relieving process aid strand, wherein the continuous ceramic strand is only served around the continuous load-relieving process aid strand, wherein the continuous ceramic strand and the continuous load-relieving process aid strand extend along a knit direction;
• a first metal alloy wire;
• and
• at least one wire inlay comprising a first straight wire segment aligned with the knit direction, a second straight wire segment aligned with the knit direction, and an angled straight wire segment that couples the first straight wire segment and the second straight wire segment, wherein the first straight wire segment is offset a vertical distance from the second straight wire segment,
• wherein the continuous ceramic strand, the continuous load-relieving process aid strand, and the first metal alloy wire are knit to form a single-layer of the knit fabric.