Cross-linking of hydropolysilanes for use as silicon carbide precursors

Abstract

Cross-linking reactions of hydropolysilanes with alkyl halides as cross-linking agents were evaluated in order to obtain high yields of oxygen-free silicon carbide ceramics. On the basis of data from infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, solubility, gel permeation chromatography, and ultraviolet spectroscopy, it has been found that the cross-linking reactions of the polymer occurred to varied extents depending on the type of alkyl halides used. The reactivities of alkyl halides to hydropolysilanes were found to be dependent on the type of halogen, the number of halogen atoms attached to the same carbon atom, the size of the alkyl group, and the reaction temperature.