The Need

Advanced polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) and nanocomposites promise exceptional thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance, but commercial adoption is limited by poor nanoparticle dispersion and process complexity. Conventional nanoparticle syntheses rely on small-molecule ligands that are incompatible with pre-ceramic polymers, leading to aggregated filler material, ineffective crack prevention and dispersion of functional properties. Industry needs scalable, manufacturing-friendly routes to uniformly dispersed, functional nanofillers that integrate seamlessly into existing polymer and ceramic processing workflows.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed PPANG (Pre‑ceramic Polymer‑Assisted Nucleation and Growth), a novel one‑pot approach in which a functional pre‑ceramic polymer directly mediates nanoparticle formation. The polymer simultaneously drives nucleation and growth, controls particle size and shape, and remains bound to the nanoparticle surface. The resulting polymer‑grafted nanoparticles are inherently compatible with pre‑ceramic polymer matrices and can be directly converted into advanced ceramic nanocomposites through standard thermolysis and pyrolysis processes, without post‑synthetic modification.

Commercial Applications

• High‑temperature structural or functional ceramic composites
• Advanced coatings for aerospace, energy, and harsh environments
• Electrochemical materials (battery electrodes, catalysts, sensors)

Benefits/Advantages

• Improved nanoparticle dispersion within pre‑ceramic polymers and final ceramics
• One‑step, scalable process that eliminates ligand exchange and post‑processing
• Tunable size and morphology control using polymer chemistry and processing conditions
• Can be applied to synthesis of a wide array of nanostructures and compositions