Study on crosslinking of polymers and joining mechanism of SiC ceramic

Based on crosslinking of polymers with different vinyl contents at low temperature and pyrolysis of the polymer at high temperature, joining temperature and impregnation cycles of an SiC joint were discussed. Polyvinylphenylsiloxane as the polymer with active groups of Si–OH and CH=CH2 by crosslinking enhances ceramic yield and thermal stability. The microstructure of the polymer changes from amorphous ceramic into grains of SiO2 and SiC, grains can dispersion strengthening enhances strength of joint layer. Shear strength of SiC joints reaches the maximum at 1200°C. A relatively good interface between the SiC substrate and pyrolysis product of the polymer is formed, but there exist loose cracks or voids in the joint layer which affect the shear strength of the joint. The shear strength of the SiC joint reaches 69.2 MPa through seven times of vacuum impregnation/pyrolysis enhancement. According to the microstructure and properties of the SiC joint, the pyrolysis mechanism of the joining layer as part of the joint by using polyvinylphenylsiloxane is explained.