Biomorphic ceramics from wood-derived precursors

ABSTRACT

Materials development is driven by microstructural complexity and, in many cases, inspired by biological systems such as bones, shells and wood. In one approach, one selects the main microstructural features responsible for improved properties and design processes to obtain materials with such microstructures (continuous-fibre-reinforced ceramics, porous ceramics, fibrous ceramic monoliths, etc.). In a different approach, it is possible to use natural materials directly as microstructural templates. Biomorphic ceramics are produced from natural and renewable resources (wood or wood-derived products). A wide variety of SiC-based ceramics can be fabricated by infiltration of silicon or silicon alloys into cellulose-derived carbonaceous templates, providing a low-cost route to advanced ceramic materials with near-net shape potential and amenable to rapid prototyping. These materials have tailorable microstructure and properties, and behave like ceramic materials manufactured by advanced ceramic processing approaches. This review aims to be a comprehensive description of the development of bioSiC ceramics: from wood templates and their microstructure to potential applications of bioSiC materials.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomorphic
• ceramics
• wood
• silicon carbide
• mechanical properties
• high temperature
• porous materials

Acknowledgements

The authors thank F. M. Varela-Feria and J. J. Quispe for fruitful discussions and for their help in preparing some of the figures.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad: [grant number MAT2016-76526-R]; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad: [grant number MAT2013-41233-R].