Polymer-Derived Ceramics: Past, Present and Future

Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) represent a versatile class of advanced materials obtained by converting organosilicon polymers into inorganic ceramic phases through high-temperature pyrolysis under carefully controlled atmospheres. This molecular-to-ceramic transformation enables precise manipulation of composition at the atomic scale and allows access to non-oxide ceramics with unique combinations of thermal, chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties. Moreover, integrating the PDC route with sol–gel chemistry, additive manufacturing, or nanocomposite design significantly broadens the processing window, offering new pathways to tailor microstructure, porosity, surface functionality, and phase evolution.

This workshop will serve as a platform for presenting and discussing the latest breakthroughs in PDC science and technology, from fundamental mechanisms to emerging applications. Contributions from all areas of the PDC community are welcome.

Particular attention will be given to topics such as:

-          Advance shaping of PDCs (including 3D printing)
-          PDCs structure and chemistry
-          Mechanical properties of PDCs
-          Transition metal-doped PDCs
-          Sol-gel approaches to ceramics
-          Novel PDCs composition and chemistry-properties relations
-          PDCs for energy applications
-          Medium-range structure of PDCs glasses.

Dedicated to:

The symposium is dedicated to honoring Prof. Gian D. Sorarù, who will retire in 2026, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to polymer-derived ceramics, sol–gel science, and the broader fields of ceramics and glasses.

Abstracts

Abstracts can be submitted within the 31st of March 2026 on this link.

Registration

There is no registration fee. The costs of the workshop are fully covered by the organizers.

Accomodation

The University of Trento has agreements with several hotels offering reduced rates for our guests. 
Please mention that you are attending this workshop organized by the University of Trento in order to check availability and tarifs. 

Organized by:

Mattia BIESUZ, University of Trento
Vincenzo SGLAVO, University of Trento
Sandra DIRE’, University of Trento
Cekdar VAKIF AHMETOGLU, Technische Universität Berlin