A Thermokinetic Study of a Polycarbosilane- and Oligovinylsilazane-Based Ceramic-Forming Composition

— The thermokinetic behavior of a polycarbosilane- and oligovinylsilazane-based ceramic-forming binder during curing and pyrolysis has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The rate equations for the curing and pyrolysis reactions have been derived under the assumption that the reaction rate, weight loss, and heat flux are proportional to the heating rate. Curing and pyrolysis have been shown to involve at least two competing processes. Based on the kinetic models obtained, we have proposed heat treatment conditions that ensure a constant rate of the curing and pyrolysis reactions.