Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
It is shown that ceramics derived from polycarbosilane polymers may developan open nanoporous network after heat treatment to a temperatures between1300 and 1550°C in argon. The resulting SiC-based ceramics werecharacterised by N2 gas adsorption analysis and X-raydiffraction. The apparent surface area, and pore volume increase withincreasing heat treatment temperature, reaching values of 170 m2g-1 and 0.12 cm3-1 respectively. Thepore network develops as the SiC crystals grow and as carbon is ejected fromthe structure. It is thought that the porosity may reside within the carbonphase, but this remains to be confirmed.