Synthesis and characterization of phosphorus-containing polymers for the generation of polymer-derived ceramics

Abstract

Phosphorus-containing polymer networks as precursors to polymer-derived ceramics were prepared using a combination of three monomers (1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione or 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, tetraethylene glycol diallyl ether, and isobutyl phosphine). By varying the stoichiometry of these components, it was observed that key properties such as thermal stability, swellability, and ceramic yield after pyrolysis can be modified at will. Optimal stoichiometries to achieve the highest ceramic yields upon pyrolysis, while maintaining swellability, were determined. Cobalt was introduced into the networks by reaction of the tertiary phosphine fragments in the material with CpCo(CO)2. After pyrolysis of the metalated polymers at 800 °C, the resulting ceramics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.