From trimethylvinylsilane to ZrC–SiC hybrid materials

We describe a new route to synthesize hybrid ZrC–SiC materials in a one-pot procedure. Polycarbosilane was generated from trimethylvinylsilane in the presence of ZrC powder. A specific interaction between the polymer and the ceramic particles was evidenced. The conversion of precursor into composite was achieved by pyrolysis under argon up to 1100 °C. From thermogravimetric analyses, pyrolysis tests and SEM observations, it has been shown that these hybrid materials kept a stability above 850 °C, and their total mass loss remained lower than 20%.