Organic polyborosilazane IOTA-9120 represents a cutting-edge ceramic precursor polymer that combines the processability of organic polymers with the exceptional thermal and chemical stability of advanced ceramics. This liquid-phase material, composed of repeating Si-N and Si-N-B units, serves both as a high-performance thermosetting resin and as a precursor for silicon boron carbonitride (SiBCN) ceramics, making it particularly valuable for high-temperature adhesive applications.

Product Characteristics and Processing Versatility

IOTA-9120 exhibits remarkable processing flexibility with two distinct curing pathways. It can undergo cross-linking at temperatures between 120-180°C in either air or inert atmospheres. Alternatively, with platinum catalyst addition, it enables hydrosilylation reactions at lower temperatures (80-100°C), achieving full curing within 2-5 hours depending on specific conditions. This dual-curing capability provides significant advantages for various manufacturing processes and application requirements.

The material demonstrates low viscosity (10,000-20,000 cp) in its liquid state, facilitating easy application and processing. With a solid content exceeding 99.9% and minimal VOC emissions, it offers both environmental and handling benefits. The polymer can be diluted with various dry polar or non-polar solvents, though it requires protection from moisture, alcohols, and proton-donor substances to prevent degradation through hydrolysis or alcoholysis reactions.

Ceramic Conversion and Performance

Upon pyrolysis under controlled conditions, IOTA-9120 transforms into high-performance ceramics with excellent yield characteristics. The cured polymer demonstrates ceramic yields exceeding 55% at 800°C, with final ceramic densities ranging between 1.70-2.00 g/cm³. The crystallization behavior and final ceramic composition can be precisely tailored through processing conditions: maintaining amorphous structure below 1600°C, with crystallization initiating above this temperature.

The final ceramic composition exhibits atmosphere dependence:

• Nitrogen/Argon atmospheres: SiC and Si₃N₄

• Ammonia atmosphere: Primarily Si₃N₄

• Air atmosphere: Mainly SiBOCN

The incorporation of specific fillers further enables customization of the final ceramic composition, expanding the material's versatility.

Applications Across Advanced Technologies

IOTA-9120 finds application in multiple high-technology sectors:

• Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for high-temperature structural components

• Metal matrix composites requiring enhanced thermal stability

• High-temperature resistant adhesives and bonding solutions

• Advanced anti-corrosion and oxidation-resistant coatings

• Impregnation of ceramic preforms and complex structures

• Thermosetting resin systems for specialized applications

• Organic-inorganic hybrid materials with tailored properties

Its exceptional adhesion to various substrates including metals, ceramics, and graphite materials further expands its application potential.

Handling and Storage Considerations

Proper handling requires working in ventilated, dry environments with appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, masks, and goggles. Uncured material must be protected from ignition sources, moisture, and water exposure. For cleaning, immediate wiping with acetone or solvent oil is recommended before curing occurs.

The product maintains a shelf life of one year in unopened containers. Once opened, proper sealing and storage under low-temperature, dry conditions can extend usable life beyond two months.

IOTA-9120 stands as a sophisticated material solution that bridges polymer processing and ceramic performance, enabling innovative approaches to high-temperature material challenges across numerous advanced technology sectors.