Active-filler-controlled-polymer-pyrolysis has recently been reported as a
novel processing route for preparing near-net shape bulk ceramic composite
materials. Active fillers, like Ti or Si powders, may react with solid or
gaseous decomposition products of the polymer or with the heating gas
atmosphere. In this study, a mixture of silicone resin (GE SR350) and Si
powder was heated at temperatures up to 1430°C in Ar or N2. After
the highest temperature firing, the resulting material was primarily
comprised of SiC and SiOC when the heating was performed in Ar, or of SiOC,
SiC, Si3N4 and Si2N2O when the
heating was performed in N2. The evolution of the microstructure
of the ceramic composite was followed by DTA-TGA, FT-IR and XRD.