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Microwave and Millimeter wave Processing of Polymer-Derived Silicon Nitride

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

S. T. Schwab
Affiliation:
Materials & Structures Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510
S. F. Timmons
Affiliation:
Materials & Structures Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510
C. R. Blanchard
Affiliation:
Materials & Structures Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510
M. D. Grimes
Affiliation:
Materials & Structures Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510
R. C. Graef
Affiliation:
Materials & Structures Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510
J. D. Katz
Affiliation:
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
D. E. Rees
Affiliation:
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
T. W. Hardek
Affiliation:
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
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Abstract

Chemical methods of processing ceramics have the potential to overcome many of the processing-related obstacles that have hindered widespread commercialization. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has focused on the development of polymeric precursors to silicon nitride (Si3N4). One such precursor, perhydropolysilazane (or PHPS), has been shown to be a useful binder for Si3N4 powder processing, a useful matrix precursor for the polymer infiltration/pyrolysis (PIP) processing of fiber-reinforced Si3N4, and a useful ceramic coating precursor for the repair of oxidation protection coatings on carbon-carbon composites. While conventional, thermal pyrolyses of these preceramnics has been sufficient to demonstrate their potential, substantial cost savings could be realized if the polymer-to-ceramic conversion could be instigated with electromagnetic energy. We have investigated the use of millimeter wave heating as a means of converting PHPS into Si3N4, and report here the results of our efforts to produce bulk compacts, coatings, and fiber-reinforced ceramics.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1996

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