Synthesis and magnetic properties of polymer derived Metal/SiCN ceramic composites

Metal particles were embedded in a silicon carbonitride (SiCN) matrix, derived from the commercially available polysilazane Ceraset (R). Metal powders, such as Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, were mixed and milled with pre-cross-linked polysilazane and subsequent pyrolysis. The metals act as active fillers to increase the density of composite. The phases and microstructures of metal/ceramic composites were studied using XRD, SEM and EDS. The magnetic property was measured with Magnetic Property Measurement System at -196 degrees C and 270 degrees C. The results show that there were two main domains in composites, one was metal-rich domain and another was metal-poor domain. The reaction compound between metal and matrix had great effect on the magnetic properties of composites, filled with different metals.