Greener solvents for the processing of preceramic polycarbosilane: application in the preparation of B4C/SiC composites

Abstract

The innovation introduced in this study consists of replacing toluene with safer solvents such as cyclopentane or diethyl ether in the processing of a preceramic polycarbosilane (allylhydridopolycarbosilane, AHPCS) and assessing its impact on the functionalisation of B₄C powders to produce B₄C/SiC composites. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) with ATR and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed no major modification in the polymer structure. SEC/MALS analysis showed a slight change in the number-average molar mass of the polymer regardless of the functionalisation solvent used in correlation with a slight decrease in the polymer ceramic yield due to oligomer loss. The thermal behaviour of the preceramic polymer investigated via mass spectrometry remained unaffected by the solvent change. The search for polymer residues after distillation highlighted the recyclability of both the functionalisation solvent and the polymer, despite a slight increase in the molar mass of the polymer. Finally, the sinterability of B₄C/AHPCS samples was studied with the preparation of B₄C/SiC composites via a polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) route and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effect of the solvent on the microstructure and relative density of the specimens (>92%) is negligible. The specimens retain a fine and homogeneous phase distribution despite process modification. The results highlight the approach developed to use greener solvents for the chemical synthesis of functionalised ceramics and represent a step towards the generalisation of more environmentally friendly processes.