Pyrolysis behavior of Blackglas^TM composites

Blackglas^TM composites derived from a preceramic polymer are attractive structural materials that offer the potential for low-cost ceramic matrix composites. Pyrolysis process models are being developed that describe the kinetics of the transformations of the preceramic polycarbosiloxane polymer composite into the silicon oxycarbide glass composite. TGA techniques were used to formulate a lumped parameter reaction rate expression for use in a reaction engineering model of the pyrolysis process. Results for various heating rate programs were analyzed to obtain kinetic parameters, including the order of the dependence of the reaction rate on the polymer infiltration cycles and activation energy. Comparison between the pyrolysis behavior of the composite and neat resin was made.