Performance and Structure of Polymer Derived SiBCN Ceramics

Polymer derived silicoboron carbonitride (SiBCN) ceramics possess such excellent properties as high temperature stability, oxidation resistance, creep resistance and special electrical properties. They have been fabricated as ceramic fibers, composites, porous ceramics, coatings, microdevices, and become alternative materials for potential applications in the fields of aerospace, energy, microelectronics. In recent years, researchers have made great progresses in developing new methods of precursor synthesis. The characterizations in microstructures and high temperature properties of SiBCN ceramics have been carried out. Possible applications in high temperature sensors, oxygen resistance coatings of carbon nanotubes/carbon nanofibers (CNTs/CNFs), and sintering additives have also been sought. The preparation routes of polymer derived SiBCN ceramics (including synthesis, pyrolysis and processing of precursors), the microstructures, basic properties and high temperature properties of SiBCN ceramics are reviewed. Accordingly, major problems are summarized and future research trends are highlighted.