Synthesis of silicon carbide fiber from blended precursor of organosilicon polymers

Polycarbosilane (PCS) containing 10% of polyvinylsilane (PVS) was prepared and shaped into fiber form by the melt-spinning method. The influence of the PVS addition on curing and pyrolysis processes for the precursor fiber was investigated. The addition of PVS to PCS can lower the curing temperature and increase the residual weight of the fiber during pyrolysis. The silicon carbide fiber synthesized from the blended precursor maintains higher strength than the fiber from pure PCS beyond 1673 K. The core of the SIC fiber from blended precursor maintains a homogeneous appearance even after surface degradation.