Dipentylamine-Modified Polyborazylene:  A New, Melt-Spinnable Polymeric Precursor to Boron Nitride Ceramic Fibers

Abstract

A new melt-spinnable polymeric precursor to BN ceramic fibers, [(B3N3H3.5)(NPn2)∼0.5]x, has been synthesized by the reaction of polyborazylene, [B3N3H∼4]x, with dipentylamine. The polymer has been melt-spun into continuous polymer fibers 30−40 μm in diameter. Pyrolysis of the polymer fibers under ammonia yields ∼30 μm BN ceramic fibers of good quality, as determined by SEM, DRIFT, XRD, and RBS measurements, as well as oxidation and mechanical studies.