Polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) technology focuses on the conversion of metalorganic compounds, also known as preceramic polymers, to ceramic materials.¹ Preceramic polymers, which are either liquids or meltable/soluble solids, are subjected—after or during shaping processes—to chemical and thermal treatments, which induce cross-linking of the polymers into thermoset materials. Further thermal treatment converts the thermoset polymer to an amorphous ceramic and, at higher temperatures, to a crystalline ceramic.

In comparison with traditional powder technology to prepare ceramic materials, the PDC route has advantages of homogeneity of chemical composition at the molecular level and lower processing temperatures.¹ Moreover, shaping in the polymeric state before conversion to ceramic reduces processing cost and time and extends the lifespan of shaping machines.

Because of the availability of a broad spectrum of polymer and ceramic shaping technologies, such as casting, tape casting, fiber drawing, molding, and pressing, the PDC route enables realization of a variety of ceramics, including bulk parts, cellular materials, fibers, and coatings.¹ PDC is especially attractive for coating applications, because it enables use of wet deposition techniques, typical of organic coatings, to prepare layers with properties of ceramic materials, such as high-temperature resistance and hardness.