Long term stability of ceramics at high temperatures is one of the great challenges of the contemporary technology developments. Multi‐component ceramics such as Si–B–C–N systems gain a lot of interest for high temperature applications due to the stability of their amorphous inorganic network arising from strong covalent bonding. The polymer derived ceramics (PDC) route enables the synthesis of such materials from preceramic polymers as well as their manufacturing as specific ceramic geometries, which are difficult to obtain otherwise. This review proposes an overview of the works related to the development of Si–B–C–N ceramics through the PDC route in the last 30 years. A particular focus is made on the relation between the chemical structure of the precursors and the properties of the resulting ceramics. The main topics reviewed are related to the synthesis of tailor‐made polymeric precursors, to their processing to ceramic components, and to the characterization of the material properties and functionalities. The various strategies adopted for the development of shaped Si–B–C–N ceramics as functional materials are presented and the trend of nowadays research for future evolution of Si–B–C–N materials is discussed.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society publishes the results of original research and reviews relating to ceramic materials. Papers of either an experimental or theoretical character will be welcomed on a fully international basis. The emphasis is on novel generic science concerning the relationships between processing, microstructure and properties of polycrystalline ceramics consolidated at high temperature. Papers may relate to any of the conventional categories of ceramic: structural, functional, traditional or composite. The central objective is to sustain a high standard of research quality by means of appropriate reviewing procedures. Benefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.