Cross-linking reactions of hydropolysilanes with alkyl halides as cros
s-linking agents were evaluated in order to obtain high yields of oxyg
en-free silicon carbide ceramics. On the basis of data from infrared s
pectroscopy, thermogravimetry, solubility, gel permeation chromatograp
hy, and ultraviolet spectroscopy, it has been found that the cross-lin
king reactions of the polymer occurred to varied extents depending on
the type of alkyl halides used. The reactivities of alkyl halides to h
ydropolysilanes were found to be dependent on the type of halogen, the
number of halogen atoms attached to the same carbon atom, the size of
the alkyl group, and the reaction temperature.