Synthesis of inorganic-organic diblock copolymers as a precursor of ordered mesoporous SiCN ceramic

Polyvinyl silazane block polystyrene (PVSZ b PS) as the inorganic organic diblock copolymer precursor with self assembling behavior was synthesized through the living free radical polymerization using dithiocarbamate derivatives as reversible addition fragmentation agents. This precursor was converted into an ordered mesoporous SiCN ceramic with high temperature stability at 1400°C. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) indicated the presence of unreacted vinyl groups and SiH groups in the PVSZ block copolymer. This can lead to development of alternative SiC, Si³N⁴ and BN mesoporous ceramics and hybrid compositions. The results indicate that these ceramic precursors can be used in generation of various nanostructured nonoxide ceramics in combination with processes of organic organic diblock copolymers.