SiC-based ceramic fibers prepared via organic-to-inorganic conversion process; A Review

Okamura, Kiyohito*; Shimoo, Toshio*; Suzuya, Kentaro; Suzuki, Kenji*

Several types of Si-based ceramic fibers have been prepared using an organic-to-inorganic conversion process. In this article, the preparation, microstructure, and high-temperature stability of SiC-based ceramic fibers prepared from polycarbosilane of an organosilicon polymer are reviewed. The first fiber produced was an amorphous Si-C-O fiber, next was a low-oxygen content Si-C fiber, and finally, a nearly stoichiometric SiC fiber was developed. These fibers are continuous fine fibers that have high tensile strength with high heat resistance. The pyrolytic behavior and active-passive oxidation of these fibers at high temperatures are described here. The heat resistance of these fibers increases in the order of the Si-C-O fiber, the Si-C fiber, and the SiC fiber. The high-temperature properties are dependent on the atomic arrangement and the quantity of amorphous SiCO and glassy carbon in the fibers.