Poly(methylsilyne)

Poly(methylsilyne) (PMSy) is one of a class of silicon-based random network polymers primarily composed of tetrahedrally hybridized silicon atoms, each having one methyl substituent, exhibiting the generic formula [MeSi]n. PMSy is made from methyltrichlorosilane mixed with group 1 metal such as sodium and then mixed with organic group 1 metal and then water ,the reaction are all taken place in a solvent such as ether. At room temperature, poly(methylsilyne) is a dark yellow powder. It can be easily dissolved in a number of solvents (tetrahydrofuran, ether, toluene etc.), forming a colloidal suspension that is clear and non-viscous, which may then be deposited as a film or coating on various substrates. Upon thermolysis in argon at atmospheric pressure to 3 atmospheres and temperatures of 200 °C to 450 °C, decomposition of poly(methylsilyne) results in silicon carbide.

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The novelty of PMSy (and its related polymer poly(hydridocarbyne)) is that the polymer may be readily fabricated into various forms (e.g. films, fibers, plates) and then thermolized into a final silicon carbide ceramic.

References

• U.S. Patent 6,989,428  "Methods of preparing polysilynes"