Flexible, controllable, and high-strength near-infrared reflective Y2O3 nanofiber membrane by electrospinning a polyacetylacetone‑yttrium precursor

High-quality reflective screens constitute an important part of multi-layer insulation materials. However, the metal foils currently used as thermal reflective screens are easily oxidized in an oxidizing environment. Nanoscale yttrium oxide exhibits high reflectivity in the near-infrared (NIR) region, as well as excellent stability in an oxidizing environment. The material also shows potential for application as a high-temperature reflective screen. A high near-infrared reflective Y2O3 nanofiber membrane was successfully prepared by electrospinning a synthetic polyacetylacetone‑yttrium (PAY) precursor into precursor fibers, followed by heat treatment. The new polyorganometallic precursor PAY with 42% Y2O3 content was synthesized by adjusting the ratio of acetylacetone to YCl3·6H2O. The crystallization, microstructure and NIR reflectivity of the Y2O3 nanofiber membrane were analyzed. The tensile strength of the Y2O3 nanofiber membrane was evaluated. The strength of the Y2O3 nanofiber membrane with good flexibility, prefect morphology and high crystallinity could reach 1.6 MPa, and its NIR reflectivity could reach 95%. High-temperature heat-reflective testing shows that the Y2O3 nanofiber membrane exerts a reflective effect on thermal radiation at 1500 °C. It could be continuously used as a reflective screen for high-temperature insulation materials in a high-temperature oxidizing environment.