| Abstract Scope |
Preceramic polymers function as reactive binders and precursors in the fabrication of silicon-based advanced ceramics, enabling near-net shaping for high temperature applications. MXenes, a class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, exhibit exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties at the nanoscale. This work presents an approach for integrating 2D MXenes as functional additives into the polymeric precursor allyl hydrido polycarbosilane (SMP-10), forming homogeneous cross-linked SMP-10 derived SiC-MXene blends. Further we investigate the high-temperature phase stability, evolution, and transformation of MXene within the SMP-10 matrix, examining microstructural development, the MXene-SiC interface, and phase transitions of MXene to cubic carbides and SiC from amorphous to crystalline forms. Microstructural characterization is conducted using SEM, STEM, EDS, and EELS spectroscopy, while in-situ hot stage XRD is employed to trace phase transformations up to 2200 °C. |