Thermal behavior and curing kinetics of poly(carbosilane)

This study focuses on the thermal behavior and curing kinetics of a commercially available poly(carbosilane). Poly(carbosilane) is used for the production of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers by high‐temperature pyrolysis. Thermal characterization studies were carried out by employing a differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analyzer. The change in the chemical structure during curing with oxygen was studied with an infrared spectrometer. It was found that the uncured poly(carbosilane) would froth under a nitrogen environment around 450°C. Curing with oxygen, which results in crosslinking at the surface, enables the sample to retain its shape during high‐temperature pyrolysis. Curing was carried out at various temperatures, and the kinetics of the curing reactions were characterized.