| Abstract Scope |
The bulk properties of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) can be augmented or modulated through the incorporation of secondary phases in the preceramic polymer matrix; however, filler choice is often exacerbated by compatibility, cost, and undesirable phase formation or degradation. Montmorillonite (MMT) is a naturally-occurring 2:1 layered clay comprised of stacked two-dimensional aluminosilicate sheets that are few nanometers in thickness. Clay-based reinforcements offer an inexpensive yet thermally compatible material for high temperature ceramic systems, such as those in the silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) class of PDCs. MMT nanosheets were purified and exfoliated from a crude clay source and further functionalized with [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysliane to promote dispersion in the preceramic polymer. The effect of MMT nanosheet loading on phase formation, porosity, and mechanical properties of the SiOC-MMT nanocomposites were investigated as a function of pyrolytic temperature. The methodology of nanocomposite fabrication offers insight and inspiration for development of novel ceramic materials imbued with 2D nanomaterials. |