Nanoscale visualization of the polymer to ceramic transformation under realistic pyrolysis conditions with in situ transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

Polymer derived ceramics (PDC) possess unique processability and mechanical, thermal, and environmental resistance making them ideal materials for aerospace composites and coatings. The unique structure of PDCs, consisting of amorphous ceramic nanodomains interspersed with carbon, underlies these properties. Despite the importance of this microstructure there is little understanding of how it emerges and evolves during processing. Conventional characterization has measured average bonding states and composition changes during pyrolysis, while microscopy and scattering have elucidated the structure after pyrolysis. However, there is a gap in understanding how the atomic and nanoscale structure of PDCs emerges and evolves during pyrolysis.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 06, 2025
Source ID
FA95502410293

Entities

People

  • Taylor J Woehl

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Maryland

Tags

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space