SiC-based ceramic fibers prepared via organic-to-inorganic conversion process - A review

Several types of Si-based ceramic fibers have been prepared using an organic-to-inorganic conversion process. In this article, the preparation, microstructure, and high-temperature stability of SiC-based ceramic fibers prepared from polycarbosilane of an organosilicon polymer are reviewed. The first fiber produced was an amorphous Si-C-O fiber, next was a low-oxygen content Si-C fiber, and finally, a nearly stoichiometric SiC fiber was developed. These fibers are continuous fine fibers that have high tensile strength with high heat resistance. The pyrolytic behavior and active-passive oxidation of these fibers at high temperatures are described here. The heat resistance of these fibers increases in the order of the Si-C-O fiber, the Si-C fiber, and the SiC fiber. The high-temperature properties are dependent on the atomic arrangement and the quantity of amorphous SiCxOy and glassy carbon in the fibers. Possible applications for these fibers are as refractory materials, and as reinforcement fibers for plastics, metals, and ceramics.