SBIR/STTR Phase I:PHOTO-CURABLE SILICON OXYCARBIDE FIBER FOR DIESEL ENGINE PARTICULATE FILTERS

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative new ultraviolet (UV) curable pre-ceramic polymer chemistry for the fabrication of high yield and low cost silicon oxycarbide (SOC) fibers for diesel particulate filters and other applications. Silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon nitride/silicon carbide (Si3N4/SiC) ceramics have been fabricated from UV photocurable pre-ceramic polymers to SiC and Si3N4/SiC with higher than 85 percent ceramic yield. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that SOC fibers can also be fabricated from high-viscosity, photocurable thermoplastic pre-ceramic polymers. The poly(ethynyl)siloxane pre-ceramic polymers also have potential as a binder or matrix phase in SOC/SOC composites. Phase I will optimize fiber production techniques. Potential commercial applications are expected in particulate diesel filters for manufacturers in the automotive and truck markets.