polymertoceramic

Polymer-to-ceramic refers to materials produced by converting polymeric precursors into ceramic networks through controlled pyrolysis. Common preceramic polymers include polysilazanes, polycarbosilanes, and polyborosilanes. Shaping often occurs in the polymer stage (casting, molding, spinning, or additive manufacturing) before crosslinking to form an infusible ceramic precursor and subsequent heat treatment.

Pyrolysis in inert or reducing atmospheres at 800–1400°C drives volatile loss and network rearrangement, yielding ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC), silicon oxycarbide (SiOC), and silicon nitride (SiCN), depending on the precursor and conditions. Post-treatment can adjust density, porosity, crystallinity, and surface chemistry. The resulting ceramics can be dense or highly porous, with micro- to nano-scale control over the network.

Polymer-derived ceramics enable complex shapes and tunable porosity, offering potential for lightweight, high-temperature components, catalyst supports, and electronics packaging. They provide advantages in processing versatility and the possibility to create non-oxide ceramics that are challenging to obtain by conventional ceramic routes. However, challenges include shrinkage and cracking during pyrolysis, sensitivity to processing conditions, and the need for careful control of impurities and atmosphere. Scaling up from laboratory to production remains an active area of research.

Examples include silicon carbide ceramics derived from polycarbosilanes and silicon oxycarbide ceramics formed from silicone-based precursors. The field continues to explore new preceramic chemistries and additive-manufacturing strategies to expand applications in aerospace, energy, and electronics.