Progressing quartz, CMC and ceramic continuous filament offerings

As of April 2023, Saint-Gobain Quartz (Saint-Pierre-lès-Nemours, France) evolved into a new business, Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramic Composites (ACC). The goal of this new name is to reflect the company’s ambitions to diversify its solutions and expertise to grow in high-potential markets. Saint-Gobain ACC is implementing a growth strategy focused on quartz, ceramic continuous filaments and ceramic matrix composites (CMC) activities for aerospace, connectivity and industrial markets.

The company’s historical quartz activities will remain a strong focus in its roadmap. Saint-Gobain ACC says it will continue to invest in the development and production of quartz filaments for radomes, electronics, and electrical and thermal insulation in particular.

Quartzel(R) fiber is homogeneous, non-porous, continuous, amorphous, ultra-pure silica glass with a SiO₂ content >99.95%. Quartzel(R) yarns are 9, 12.5 or 14 µm filament assemblies gathered into strands, then processed with varying levels of twist and ply. A direct size chemical binder is applied to the fibers to enable processing into a range of textile substrates including 2D and 3D woven fabrics, braids, knits, unidirectional and multiaxial, in addition to providing chemical compatibility with thermoset and some thermoplastic resins commonly used to make composite parts.

Saint-Gobain ACC’s ceramic continuous filaments activity will focus on a portfolio of solutions based on continuous filaments made of alumina and mullite, dedicated to extreme temperature applications. These filaments are used, for instance, in composites designed to lighten aircraft structures while improving engine efficiency, therefore contributing to a reduced CO₂ footprint.

The company’s CMC activity will aim to convey the benefits of high-performance silica, alumina and mullite filaments into tailor-made parts for industrial applications. CMC are materials that will bring value to multiple high-temperature applications, leading to a greener and more efficient industry, Saint-Gobain ACC contends.

Moreover, in addition to its historical facilities in Nemours, France, and Louisville, Ky., U.S., Saint-Gobain ACC welcomes Courtenay, France, in its industrial network for the upcoming production of ceramic continuous filaments.