Organo-ceramic polymers

One potential solution to these problems, suggested some 20 years ago by Chantrell and Popper (1), involves the use of inorganic or organo-metallic polymers as precursors to the desired ceramic material. The concept (2) centers on the use of a tractable (soluble, meltable or malleable) inorganic precursor polymer that can be shaped at low temperature (as one shapes organic polymers) into a coating, a fiber or as a matrix (binder) for a ceramic powder. Once the final shape is obtained, the precursor polymer can be pyrolytically transformed into the desired ceramic material. With careful control of the pyrolysis conditions, the final piece will have the appropriate physical and/or electronic properties. 

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