Synthesis, characterization and ceramization of a novel vinyl-rich liquid precursor for Si(O)C ceramic

Polymethylsilane (PMS) was partially modified with 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane ([CH3(CH2åCH)SiO]4, D4Vi) via conventional hydrosilylation. The as-synthesized vinyl-rich liquid precursor (V-PMS) was characterized by the viscosity test, gel-permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonances spectroscopy. The results indicate that the obtained precursor is well soluble in common solvents and exhibits a controllable viscosity of 326.9-714.6 mPa s at room temperature. The thermal properties of V-PMS were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The V-PMS can be cured readily at 150 °C in inert atomosphere. The ceramic yield of V-PMS reaches 81% at 1200 °C, 38% higher than that of PMS. The final pyrolytic residue is hard, dense monolithic up to 1400 °C under Ar atmospheres. The controllable viscosity, excellent thermal curability and high ceramic yield enable the liquid precursor a promising material to shape various Si(O)C ceramic materials for high-temperature application.