Abstract
The formation, microstructure and properties of novel ceramic composite materials manufactured by active-filler-controlled polymer pyrolysis were investigated. In the presence of active filler particles such as transition metals, bulk components of various geometry could be fabricated from siliconorganic polymer. Molybdenum- and tungsten-filled polymer suspensions were prepared and their conversion to ceramic composites by annealing in $CH_4$ atmosphere were studied. Dimensional change. porosity and phase distribution (filler network) were analyzed and correlated to the resulting hardness values. Molybdenum and tungsten as active filler were carburized completely to $Mo_2C$, $W_2C$ and WC in $CH_4$ atmosphere. Consequently, microcrystalline composites with the filler reaction products embedded in a silicon oxycarbide glass matrix were formed. Hardness was increased with increasing carburization and reached 8.6-9.5 GPa in the specimen pyrolyzed in $CH_4$ atmosphere.