The reproduction of lignocellulosic structures into biomorphous ceramics has been extensively studied since it results in added-value products from relatively inexpensive raw materials. Synthetic ceramics can be obtained by biotemplating maintaining the structural features of native wood or fibers. In the present study, lignocellulosic materials, i.e, sisal, rattan and pinnus, were used to produce alumina fibers. The natural structures were pyrolized into carbon prefoms and subsequently infiltrated with aluminum gas temperatures ranging from 1400 ºC to 1600 ºC under vacuum, resulting in aluminum carbide (Al4C3). Because of its brittle nature and fast decomposition, Al4C3 was quickly oxidized at 1600 ºC to produce biomorphous Al2O3 fibers. The microstructure and morphology of the ceramic fibers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A comparative study on the infiltration of aluminum gas was performed based on thermogravimetric analyses.
lignocellulosic materials; biotemplating; biomorphous ceramics
