In the cutting-edge application fields such as ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites, high-temperature resistant adhesives, and antioxidant ceramic coatings, there often exist design conflicts between the temperature resistance limit of the material, its processability, and the final ceramic phase composition. Traditional ceramic preparation requires high-temperature and high-pressure sintering, making it difficult to achieve complex shape formation; while polymer conversion to ceramics has the advantage of processability, the conventional precursors decompose below 1600°C. Organic polyborosiliconazane 9120, by introducing boron elements, retains the excellent processability of polysiliconazane while endowing the final SiBCN ceramic with unprecedented high-temperature stability and creep resistance. It remains amorphous below 1600°C and can be used as a candidate precursor for programmable ultra-high-temperature ceramic, but it must be selected through curing methods, controlled decomposition atmospheres, and systematic verification of compatibility with fillers.


Why does SiBCN ceramic often encounter problems such as insufficient ceramic yield, out-of-control phase composition, or cracking during extreme high-temperature service or processing?


The curing conditions do not match the target ceramic performance - the two paths of thermal curing (120-180°C) and platinum-catalyzed silane hydrogen addition curing (80-100°C) significantly affect the crosslinking network density and subsequent ceramic yield.


The choice of decomposition atmosphere is not precisely planned according to the target phase composition - nitrogen/argon → SiC/Si₃N₄ multi-phase ceramics, ammonia → high-purity Si₃N₄, air → SiBOCN. Each path corresponds to different material properties.


The introduction of fillers changes the decomposition behavior and ceramic product composition, but the compatibility has not been verified, resulting in cracking or uneven phase distribution after ceramicization.


It is sensitive to water and alcohol solvents, and improper dilution or storage can lead to precursor hydrolysis and deterioration, affecting the curing and ceramicization effect.


The critical point of the 1600°C amorphous/crystalline transition is not included in the material selection boundary. Over-temperature service may cause ceramic phase transformation and performance changes.


First, determine at which stage the problem of the ceramicizable precursor occurs.


Failure stage Possible causes Preferred inspection direction
Incomplete curing or excessive curing time Insufficient catalyst dosage, low curing temperature Verification of thermal curing (120-180°C) / platinum-catalyzed (80-100°C) conditions
Ceramic yield below 50% (800°C) Insufficient crosslinking density or improper cracking temperature program Verification of curing degree, optimization of cracking process
Cracking after ceramicization Excessive cracking of the cured product or improper filler compatibility Types and addition amounts of fillers, temperature rise rate control
Inconsistent ceramic phase composition with the target Selection of decomposition atmosphere and filler type mismatch Verification of decomposition atmosphere (N₂/Ar/NH₃/Air)
Shortened storage period or deterioration Contact with water, alcohols, or acidic substances Sealing of storage, inert gas protection
Insufficient adhesion to the substrate Insufficient surface treatment of the substrate 清洁度、润湿性 of metal/ceramic/graphite surfaces
Comparison of 9120 with similar precursor schemes


Material direction Thermal curing / platinum catalysis % ceramic yield (800°C) High-temperature stability Key requirements for focus evaluation Notices to be paid
IOTA9120 (polyborosiliconazane) Thermal curing / platinum catalysis >50% 1600°C amorphous， >2000°C stable High-temperature resistant SiBCN ceramic， programmable phase composition Sensitive to water/alcohols， requires inert protection
Organic polysiliconazane 9108A Thermal curing / UV curing >55% 1500°C SiCN ceramic， general high-temperature resistance No boron element， temperature limit lower than 9120
Solid polysiliconazane TC-P21 Thermal curing / UV curing >70% 1400°C Electronic field coating 半固态膏状， applicable to different processes
IOTA9120 is based on a boron-heterostructured polysilazane precursor, and realizes the "programmed" control of the SiBCN ceramic phase composition through different decomposition atmospheres. It combines the processability of polymers with the thermal stability of ultra-high temperature ceramics. The technical data of this product is based on specific product testing and cannot be directly transcribed into the guarantee range of other brands or formulations.


Before selecting, it is necessary to confirm which precursors and process conditions are required?


Condition category Required information
Application direction CMCs matrix, metal matrix composites, high-temperature resistant adhesives, antioxidant ceramic coatings, ceramic preforms impregnation, thermosetting resins
Curing method Thermal curing (120-180℃ without catalyst) or platinum-catalyzed silane hydrogen addition (80-100℃)
Target ceramic phase Nitrogen/argon → SiC/Si₃N₄; Ammonia → Si₃N₄; Air → SiBOCN
Ceramicization temperature <1600℃ (amorphous) / >1600℃ (crystalline)
Filler compatibility The influence of filler type and addition amount on the composition and shrinkage of the ceramic product
Diluent solvent Dry non-polar solvents (strictly prohibit water, alcohols)
Storage conditions Sealed low-temperature drying, inert gas protection
Which key indicators need to be verified?


Verification item Primary function Not replaceable content
Curing degree Verify the degree of cross-linking network formation Insufficient curing degree affects ceramic yield
Ceramic yield (800℃ > 50%) Assess the economic nature of the precursor and shrinkage control Revalidation is required for different heating procedures
Phase composition (XRD) Confirm the consistency of the decomposition products with the target Combined with the decomposition atmosphere and filler analysis
Ceramic density (1.70-2.00 g/cm³) Assess the degree of ceramic densification Related to shrinkage rate and porosity
High-temperature stability (1600℃) Verify the retention ability of the amorphous phase Need to be verified at the target service temperature
Adhesion to substrate Verify the bonding with metals/ceramics/graphite, etc. Need to be verified separately for different substrates
How to design the ceramic conversion verification scheme for organic polyborosilazane 9120?


Specify the target ceramic phase composition, and accordingly select the decomposition atmosphere (N₂/Ar → SiC/Si₃N₄, NH₃ → Si₃N₄, Air → SiBOCN).


Choose the curing method based on the workpiece size and process requirements (thermal curing 120-180℃ or platinum-catalyzed 80-100℃ × 2-5h).


If fillers need to be introduced, verify the compatibility with the filler on the sample for the impact on ceramic yield and shrinkage.


Adjust the viscosity using a drying solvent (strictly prohibit water, alcohols) to avoid precursor hydrolysis and deterioration.


Carve and decompose under inert gas protection according to the set heating procedure, observing the ceramic yield at 800℃ (＞50%) and the density of the ceramic after curing (1.70-2.00 g/cm³).


Verify the stability of the amorphous phase and the performance after ceramicization at the target service temperature (e.g., 1600℃).


Verify the actual bonding effect with the substrate (metal, ceramic, graphite, etc.) on the corresponding substrate.


Common misunderstandings


The higher the curing temperature, the higher the ceramic yield: A curing temperature within the range of 120-180℃ can ensure complete cross-linking, and excessively increasing the temperature may prematurely decompose organic groups, which is not conducive to ceramic yield control.


The decomposition atmosphere only affects the surface oxide layer: The decomposition atmosphere directly determines the composition of the ceramic phase - N₂/Ar is SiC/Si₃N₄, ammonia is high-purity Si₃N₄, and air is SiBOCN. This is the core mechanism of the "programmable" property of the precursor.


The precursor is not sensitive to moisture: IOTA9120 is sensitive to water and alcohols solvents. Exposure to water or alcohol will cause the product to deteriorate. Strict drying operation is required for handling and dilution.


1600℃ can be used for extreme service scenarios: below 1600℃ it remains in a liquid state, and above 1600℃ it begins to crystallize. The actual service temperature needs to be confirmed based on performance requirements.


The introduction of fillers does not affect the ceramic composition: the fillers will change the decomposition behavior and the composition of the ceramic product. After introduction, the phase composition and ceramic yield need to be re-evaluated.


Recommended process verification steps


Confirm the application direction (CMCs matrix, high-temperature resistant coating, adhesive, etc.) and service temperature.


Select the decomposition atmosphere based on the target ceramic phase.


Choose the curing method (thermal curing / platinum catalysis) and verify the curing conditions.


If filler compatibility is required, test the impact on ceramic yield and shrinkage on a small sample.


Use a drying non-polar solvent to dilute, control the construction viscosity.


Complete the ceramicization transformation in an inert atmosphere.


Characterize the ceramic yield at 800℃ (>50%), density (1.70-2.00 g/cm³), and phase composition.


Verify the high-temperature stability and adhesion at the target service temperature.


Our company, as a provider of solutions in the field of ceramic precursors and specialty organic silicon materials, can assist in screening precursor selection and process direction by collaborating with 9120 organic polyborosilazane. The specific plan should still be determined based on the target ceramic phase, service temperature, processing conditions, and verification results.


FAQ


What are the differences between IOTA-9120 and conventional polysilazanes?
IOTA-9120 is a polysilboronazane, with boron introduced into the Si-N main chain. The introduction of boron retains the excellent processing properties of the polysilazane family, while endowing the final SiBCN ceramic with unprecedented high-temperature stability and creep resistance. Conventional polysilazanes (such as 9108A) are transformed into SiCN ceramics, with a temperature limit of approximately 1500°C.


What curing methods are available for this product?
Two curing methods: 1) Thermal curing: crosslinking occurs at 120-180°C; 2) Platinum-catalyzed silane hydrogen addition curing: at 80-100°C, the curing time depends on the amount of catalyst and temperature, generally 2-5 hours.


How can the composition of SiBCN ceramic be programmedly controlled?
By precisely selecting the decomposition atmosphere to customize the composition: nitrogen or argon → SiC/Si₃N₄; ammonia → high-purity Si₃N₄; air → SiBOCN. The introduction of functional fillers can further regulate the microstructure and ceramic yield.


What are the ceramic yield and density?
After curing at 800°C, the ceramic yield is >50%, and the density after ceramicization is 1.70-2.00 g/cm³.


At what temperature does this precursor remain amorphous?
Below 1600°C, it is an amorphous product; above 1600°C, it begins to crystallize.


Which materials have good bonding properties?
It has good bonding properties with metals, ceramics, and graphite, and can be used as a high-temperature adhesive. It is recommended to conduct adhesion verification on different substrates separately.


What should be noted about the storage and use of the precursor?
The unopened product has a shelf life of 6 months; after opening, it is applicable for more than 2 months under sealed and low-temperature dry conditions. It is sensitive to water and alcohol solvents. When taking it out, it must be done in a ventilated and dry environment and with necessary protective measures. After use, tools should be wiped clean with acetone or solvent oil immediately. Once cured, it cannot be washed off with solvents.