Multifunctional advanced ceramics from preceramic polymers and nano-sized active fillers

In this paper, the introduction of nano-sized active fillers into preceramic polymers for the realization of multifunctional ceramic components is discussed. Several silicate and oxynitride systems have been produced, by heat treatment in air or nitrogen, greatly widening the compositional range of ceramics made from preceramic polymers. Phase pure ceramics were obtained with very favorable reaction kinetics, and therefore at low temperature and for short heating times. Shaping of the components was carried out using several plastic forming technologies, such as warm pressing, extrusion, injection molding, foaming, machining, fused deposition and 3D printing. Some significant examples of this new methodology are described, ranging from relatively simple oxide systems (mullite, zircon, cordierite, fosterite, yttrium-silicates) to more complex oxynitride ceramics (SiAlONs, YSiONs). Some results concerning the potential application of these components, ranging from structural or thermo-structural functions (bulk components and environmental barrier coatings) to more functional purposes (bioactive ceramics and inorganic phosphors), are also reported. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.