Development of Biomorphic SiC Ceramics for Biomaterial Purposes

Microstructure of several wooden breeds was investigated and discussed as perspective biomorphic SiC ceramics precursor for biomaterial purposes. Pine tree (Pinus silvestris) with shaped sample dimensions of 20 x 20 x 5mm (axial) was selected as raw material. SiO2 sol-gel solution was prepared using ethanol, tetraetoxysilane, distilled water and hydrochloric acid. Samples were impregnated under vacuum and pressure conditions. Impregnation and drying procedures were repeated several times, to increase SiO2 amount introduced in the samples. SEM microphotograps of samples were taken and are demonstrating the localization Of SiO2 in wood. Impregnated samples were processed using high temperature and inert atmosphere and porous biomorphic SiC ceramics were obtained. Microstructure, crystalline phase composition and chemical functional groups of biomorphic SiC ceramics were investigated.