Novel ceramic fibre - Zirconium diboride composites for solar receivers in concentrating solar power systems

Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) are a new class of which combine boride phases with carbon fibres to achieve structural and functional properties were originally designed for aerospace applications. For the first time, this work investigates optical response UHTCMCs in view their possible application as high solar absorbers Concentrating Solar Power systems. Carbon fibre-reinforced ZrB2 pellets different fibre type arrangement manufactured characterized from point surface microstructure. The had fractions (∼40 vol%) (up 60 vol%). Spectral hemispherical reflectance range 0.3–16 μm wavelength was assessed compared pure graphite phases. Irrespective architecture, absorptance significantly increased respect boride, reaching or even overpassing silicon carbide. Thermal emittance, calculated 800 K 1500 temperature, well comparison but always remained lower than that SiC. These properties, combined damage tolerance light weight, suggest great interest absorbers, weaknesses current receivers, those most promising alternative materials date.