| Abstract Scope |
Molecularly derived refractory ceramics provide a powerful route to high-temperature protective coatings with tunable composition, processability, and architecture. Here, we report a screen-printable refractory-metal preceramic ink platform based on Zr, Nb, Hf, and Ta precursors. Transition-metal salts are hydrothermally crosslinked with preceramic polymers to form dense, continuous precursor networks, which are formulated into printable inks and coated onto graphite substrates. After low-temperature drying, ultrafast thermal processing converts the preceramic networks into refractory transition-metal-based ceramic coatings. During rapid ceramization, the metal species react with B, C, and/or Si components to form carbide-, boride-, and silicide-containing phases, providing high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and oxidation resistance. Hydrogen–oxygen torch ablation tests show that oxidation is confined to the coating surface, while the underlying graphite remains protected. EMI shielding measurements before and after ablation further confirm retained functional performance. This approach offers a scalable molecular-processing strategy for ultrahigh-temperature protective and functional ceramic coatings. |