A new SiC precursor with high ceramic yield: Synthesis and characterization of CH x MeSiH 2 ‐containing poly(methylsilane‐carbosilane)

A new poly(methylsilane‐carbosilane) (PMSCS) for silicon carbide precursor was prepared using Wurtz‐type copolymerization of methyldichlorosilane (MeHSiCl 2 ), chloromethyldichloromethylsilane (ClCH 2 MeSiCl 2 ), and (dichloromethyl)methylsilane (Cl 2 CHMeSiH 2 ), with (chloromethyl)methylsilane (ClCH 2 MeSiH 2 ) or trimethylchlorosilane (Me 3 SiCl) as terminated reagent. The ceramic yield of PMSCS was markedly increased by introduction of Cl 2 CHMeSiH 2 comonomer and capped with ClCH 2 MeSiH 2 . The H 2 MeSiCH 2 ‐capped PMSCS with CHMeSiH 2 structure unit in main chain produced SiC ceramic with 1.21 of C/Si atomic ratio in a ceramic yield of 78 wt % upon pyrolyzed at 1000 °C. The excellent pyrolytic properties, combining with its economical preparation, good storage stability in air, and favorable processabilty, make the CH x MeSiH 2 ‐containing PMSCS a new cost‐effective SiC ceramic precursor. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47618.