Preceramic Polymers as “Reagents” in the Preparation of Ceramics

Abstract

Pyrolysis of preceramic polymer/metal powder composites resulted in formation of ceramic products containing the metal as well as element present in the polymer. Prepared in this manner were ceramics containing crystalline phases of metal silicides, metal carbides, metal nitrides, metal borides, and silicon carbide. The polymers used in this investigation included a polysilazane, a polycarbosilane, and decaborane (12)‐diamine polymers, and the metals used included aluminum and a number of early transition metals.