| Scope |
Preceramic polymers (PCPs) are a unique and aptly named family of macromolecules that possess the defining feature of converting from their polymeric form to inorganic materials via heat treatment at elevated temperatures. These polymers typically contain substantial amounts of heteroatoms such as Si, B, N, as well as transition metals including Fe, Ti, and Zr. The pyrolysis of PCPs produces a ceramic product that possess chemistries and nanostructures related to that of the starting polymer. Such polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) may possess metastable compositions that are impossible to obtain via traditional powder processing methods (e.g., SiNC). PCPs represent an important enabling technology that allows for the production of high-performance ceramics via well-established and versatile polymer forming methodologies. For example, PCPs have facilitated the production of ceramic fibers (e.g., SiOC, SiC, and SiNC) that serve as the basis for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) used in aerospace applications. PCPs may also be used to create the matrix phase of CMCs and have found use in the additive manufacturing of PDCs and PDC-composites. In addition to their importance in structural applications, there is growing interest in the use of PDCs in energy storage (i.e., battery materials), sensors, and as new robust catalysts (i.e., hydrogen generation).
The aim of this symposium is to discuss recent developments in PCPs and PDCs, advances in their processing, and progress in understanding their chemistry/structure/property relationships. The symposium is envisioned to be encompassing of the field, including the synthesis of new PCP systems, novel processing methods, structural characterization, microstructure/property correlation, modeling and manufacturing of functional and structural components. Presentations ranging from fundamental science to the commercial application of PCPs and PDCs are encouraged.
Areas of interest include:
• Synthesis of new PCP systems
• Post-synthetic modification of PCPs
• The chemistry, curing, and conversion processes of PCPs
• Chemical reactions of PCPs and PDCs (e.g., environment or reactive fillers)
• PCP and PDC hybrid systems
• PCPs for Ultra-High Temperature PDCs and Compositionally Complex Ceramics
• Rheological properties of PCPs
• Advanced manufacturing
• Novel processing methodologies, forming and ceramization techniques
• Porous materials, composites, and their applications
• PDC fibers, including electrospun materials
• Processing of ceramic matrix composites (polymer infiltration and pyrolysis)
• Protective and functional ceramic coatings
• PDC nanocomposites
• Functional ceramics including semiconductors, sensors, batteries, and catalysts
• Structural characterization, microstructure/property correlation
• Thermomechanical properties of PDCs
• Advances in understanding the PCP to PDC transition
• Modeling and simulation of PCP and PDC, structure-property relationships
• Process and thermodynamic modeling of PCPs, PDCs, and CMCs
• Industrial and engineering applications of PCPs, PDCs, and CMCs |