Ultra lightweight and ultra rigid solid ceramic reflector and method of making same
OwnerMatthias Kroedel, Fred Zieglerinventors
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Abstract
An ultra fine and ultra rigid solid ceramic reflector, as well as a process for manufacturing a reflector, whereby ceramic material is applied on a first surface of a ceramic faceplate, preformed in accordance with the contour of the reflector, and is connected monolithically to the faceplate.
Claims34
A reflector, comprising:
- a ceramic material of C/SiC foam with a low weight per unit area;
- wherein the ceramic material is applied on a first surface of a ceramic C/SiC faceplate preformed in accordance with the reflector contour;
- and
- wherein the ceramic material is connected monolithicly to the faceplate.
A process for manufacturing a reflector, comprising:
- applying a C/SiC ceramic material with a low weight per unit area on a first surface of a C/SiC faceplate preformed in accordance with the reflector contour;
- and
- monolithically connecting said ceramic material to said faceplate, and
- pyrolyzing said foam in the absence of oxygen to produce a ceramic intermediate product with a foam structure;
- and
- wherein said applying comprises coating a polymeric foam structure with a suspension comprising a silicon-containing ceramic starting material;
- and
- wherein said connecting comprises infiltrating said ceramic material at temperatures exceeding 1,350° C.
A reflector, comprising:
- a preformed C/SiC faceplate;
- and
- a C/SiC foam ceramic material monolithically connected to a first surface of said faceplate,
- wherein said foam has a low weight to unit area ratio.
A reflector according to claim 15, wherein said first surface of said faceplate has at least one elevation or depression.
A reflector according to claim 19, wherein the reflector weight per unit area is <10 kg/m2.
A reflector according to claim 21, wherein said first surface of said backplate has at least one elevation or depression.
A method of making a reflector, comprising:
- producing a ceramic foam by means of a polymeric structure;
- pyrolizing said foam structure in the absence of oxygen;
- connecting a first surface of said foam to a first surface of a faceplate to form a reflector;
- and
- infiltrating said reflector with Si.
A method of making a reflector according to claim 24, wherein a second surface of said faceplate is shaped as a desired surface contour.
A method of making a reflector according to claim 29, wherein the reflector weight per unit area is <10 kg/m2.
A method of making a reflector according to claim 31, wherein said connecting comprises the use of an adhesive.
A method of making a reflector according to claim 34, wherein the reflector weight per unit area is <10 kg/m2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.