Poly(methylsilyne)


Poly is one type of polysilyne, a class of silicon-based random network polymers primarily composed of tetrahedrally hybridized silicon atoms, each having one methyl substituent, exhibiting the generic formula n. PMSy is made from methyltrichlorosilane by means of alkali metal reduction followed by alkylation. At room temperature, poly is a dark yellow powder. It can be easily dissolved in a number of solvents, 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 results in silicon carbide.
The novelty of PMSy is that the polymer may be readily fabricated into various forms and then thermolyzed into a final silicon carbide ceramic.