Synthesis of SiC fibre with low oxygen content and high tensile strength using a polyblend precursor

SiC fibre with low oxygen content and high tensile strength was first synthesized in our laboratory. The SiC fibre was obtained by using a polyblend of polycarbosilane (PC) and hydroxy-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) as a precursor. It was found that PC could react with HTPB to form cross-linked polymers at temperatures around 260 ° C, so the HTPB can be used as a curing agent. Consequently, the need for oxygen to be introduced in the air-curing process is reduced and SiC fibre with low oxygen content and higher tensile strength can be made. The chemical compositions, the oxidation resistance and chemical stability of the SiC fibre were also studied here.