FORMATION OF CERAMIC COMPOSITES AND COATINGS UTILIZING POLYMER PYROLYSIS.

Abstract

This paper reports the utilization of polymer pyrolysis for the fabrication of ceramic composites and improvement of the oxidation resistance of carbon materials by infiltration and coating. The dominant features of the process are the evolution of pyrolysis gases which may result in pore formation and growth and shrinkage which may result in micro- and macro-cracking. Modest improvements in strength and oxidation resistance have been achieved using either a carborane siloxane polymer or a silazane oligomer. Results on the fabrication of fiber composites are also reported.