Non-OXIde ceramic SHAPing: towards an integrated multi-analysis platform to monitor in situ polycarbosilane syntheses – NOXISHAP

This fundamental project deals with the development of a coherent instrumentation to monitor the polymerisation of functionalized carbosilanes, to lead to ceramic precursors. The idea is to access rheological, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and multi-angle light scattering data (MALS), in order to master the synthesis of preceramic polymers. To reach this goal, a unique platform consisting in a rheometer dynamically combined with infrared and Raman spectrometers, plus a MALS detector, would allow us to understand and to control of the macromolecular growth, and to determine the suitable shaping of the preceramic polymers.
One of the main objectives is to generate stoichiometric SiC-based ceramics, with a high ceramic yield. The full characterization of the organometallic precursors and the ceramic materials, in terms of composition and structure, will be carried out. Linear and branched polycarbosilane syntheses will be considered, and the rheological/spectroscopic properties/characteristics of such structures in construction will be investigated. A portable Raman spectrometer will be used as a powerful tool to link molecular weight distribution of polymers, to their viscoelastic and conformational properties.
This work will definitely strengthen several research topics in our laboratory, and will be a real technological breakthrough in polymer science and in the area of high temperature materials.