Synthesis of poly(dialkyl or monoalkyl)silanes as silicon carbide precursors for ceramic matrix composites

Polyalkylsilanes such as poly(dialkyl)silanes and poly(monoalkyl)silanes were synthesized by sonochemical dechlorination-condensation method from (dialkyl or monoalkyl)chlorosilanes with sodium metal. Those polyalkylsilanes were analyzed for the properties such as thermal behaviors from TGA analysis and obtained ceramic yields of 10-20% for poly(dialkyl)silanes and 40-60% for poly(monoalkyl)silanes. Ceramic composite discs were prepared by the combined mixture of polyalkylsilanes and SiC powder and were tested by TGA and analyzed by SEM and XRD for the application as binder for ceramic composite precursors.