Synthesis and processing of silicon nitride and related materials using preceramic polymer and non-oxide sol-gel approaches

The use of preceramic polymer and sol-gel processing methods in the production of silicon nitride and a number of related materials is reviewed. Amorphous ceramics in this system, which may contain additional carbon, boron and other elements, have a number of promising and/or useful high temperature properties. These include good mechanical properties and oxidation resistance at temperatures that can exceed 1500 °C with some materials, but also useful charge storage capability, catalytic activity and semiconducting or optical properties after doping.