Synthesis of ceramic nano fiber from precursor polymers by ion beam irradiation

Sugimoto, Masaki; Yoshikawa, Masahito; Tsukuda, Satoshi*; Seki, Shu*

We have succeeded in synthesizing the silicon carbide (SiC) nano fibers from Si-based polymers using MeV-order heavy-ion beam irradiation technique. Si-based polymers were cross-linked along ion tracks of nano-size in diameter through the whole thickness of the polymer thin film. nano fibers were developed on the surface of the substrate by dissolution and washing away of un-crosslinked polymer by solvent. Subsequent pyrolysis converted polymeric into inorganic SiC nano fibers. The diameter of nano fibers was depended on LET (liner energy transfer), molecular weight and cross-linking efficiency of the precursor polymers.