Ti-based ceramic composites derived from polymer pyrolysis

The formation and microstructure of the Ti-based ceramic composite derived from polymer pyrolysis in various atmosphere were investigated. Methylpolysiloxane was mixed with TiH2 as a filler and pyrolyzed in nitrogen, argon and oxygen atmosphere at 1400–1600 °C. TiH2 as active filler were reacted with atmospheric gas phase and pyrolytic products such as C and SiO2. TiN, TiC, TiO2 and Ti5Si3 were formed respectively depending on the atmospheric conditions used. Consequently, microcrystalline composites with the filler reaction products embedded in a silicon oxycarbide glass matrix were formed. Depending on the pyrolysis conditions, ceramic composites with a density of 85–88 TD% were obtained.