Process for the production of silicon carbide by the pyrolysis of a polycarbosilane polymer

摘要

Silicon carbide production by pyrolysis of polycarbosilane polymers formed by prior art methods is fraught with defects. These can be obviated by utilizing as the polycarbosilane polymer, a poly(silmethylene) formed by polymerizing 1,3-disilacyclobutane with a ring-opening catalyst of a Group VIII element of atomic number 44 or above, preferably a Pt-containing catalyst, in an inert liquid medium and under an inert atmosphere. At pyrolysis temperatures of at least about 900 DEG C., silicon carbride in a crystalline state is formed. The poly(silmethylene) may be molded or shaped into various forms such as fibers before being subjected to the pyrolysis.