Polymer derived ceramics

Polymer derived ceramics (PDCs) are <a href="/facts/Ceramic/9JKudpqX">ceramic</a> materials formed by the <a href="/facts/Pyrolysis/h1cEegI7">pyrolysis</a> of <a href="/facts/Preceramic_polymer/ckyQBrGy">preceramic polymers</a>, usually under inert atmosphere.
The compositions of PDCs most commonly include <a href="/facts/Silicon_carbide/kQLVAYbr">silicon carbide</a> (SiC), silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy), <a href="/facts/Silicon_nitride/58X9QPQJ">silicon nitride</a>(Si3N4), silicon carbonitride (Si3+xN4Cx+y) and <a href="/facts/Silicon_oxynitride/MqRy6Q5s">silicon oxynitride</a> (SiOxNy). The composition, phase distribution and structure of PDCs depend on the polymer precursor compounds used and the pyrolysis conditions applied.
The key advantage of this type of ceramic material is the versatility afforded by the use of polymeric precursors in terms of processing and shaping. Polymer derived ceramics can be <a href="/facts/Additive_manufacturing/lbvWU3t0">additively manufactured</a> (3D printed) by means of <a href="/facts/Fused_filament_fabrication/9g464H6S">fused filament fabrication</a>, <a href="/facts/Stereolithography/wIPeT3Wy">stereolithography</a> that uses <a href="/facts/Photopolymerization/1hmBz7Ur">photopolymerization</a> of <a href="/facts/Preceramic_polymers/ckyQBrGy">preceramic polymers</a>. Such processing of PDCs is used in applications requiring thermally and chemically stable materials in complex shapes that are challenging to achieve through more conventional ceramic processing routes, such as powder <a href="/facts/Sintering/Y4eGLzFf">sintering</a> and <a href="/facts/Slip_casting/mGydA2MN">slip casting</a>. PDCs are also valuable for synthesis of porous and <a href="/facts/Mesoporous_material/fvdgQ0z6">mesoporous</a> materials and thin films.

Polymer derived ceramics open-in-new

Polymer derived ceramics