Formation of Mg-silicates by reaction of perhydropolysilazane with MgO during pyrolysis in air

Abstract

The present study deals with the synthesis of Mg2SiO4 (Forsterite) applying the route of polymer derived ceramics (PDCs). The liquid, inorganic perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) was used because it is very reactive during pyrolysis in air and forms amorphous SiNO ceramic containing a tremendous amount of SiO2. Both facts are crucial for the reaction with MgO in order to synthesize Mg-silicates. The results of this study demonstrate, that the Mg-orthosilicate phase is formed at the MgO/SiNO interface via solid state reaction at comparably low temperatures of 1100°C during pyrolysis in air for 2 h. Furthermore the high reactivity of the polysilazane leads to an almost full conversion of the MgO to Mg2SiO4 under the used conditions.