Preparation and characterisation of SiOC ceramics made from a preceramic polymer and rice bran

SiOC ceramics were prepared from a methyl silicone preceramic polymer and rice bran by a simple method. Dried rice bran powder was blended with a molten preceramic polymer (Silres 610) at various ratios by a Brabender-type static mixer. Composites were made from them by crosslinking at 250 °C in a hot press and porous ceramics were made by pyrolysing them at 900 °C. The produced porous ceramics were characterised by measuring their density, ceramic yield, volume shrinkage, hygroscopic expansion, and compressive strength. Additionally, the fabricated ceramics were examined by SEM, and FTIR. Ceramics made from Silres 610/rice bran 50/50 ratio showed the highest compressive strength (2.7 MPa) along with the highest ceramic yield (47.8%), but the lowest hygroscopic expansion, and volume shrinkage. On the other hand, the 20/80 ratio showed the lowest ceramic yield and compressive strength but the volume shrinkage higher than the 50/50 ratio. All ceramics showed negligible hygroscopic expansion.