Abstract: Inorganic fibers having a high strength and a high modulus of elasticity at a high temperature are provided. The inorganic fibers are amorphous inorganic silicon nitirde-based fibers composed of silicon and nitrogen, optionally with oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, and having atomic ratio between above respective elements of N/Si=0.3 to 3, O/Si=up to 15, C/Si=up to 7 and H/Si=up to 15, wherein ratios of X-ray scattering intensity thereof to that of air at 1.degree. and 0.5.degree. are from 1 to 20 respectively and the silicon nitride-based fiber is still amorphous after heating in an inactive atmosphere at 1200.degree. C. for 1 hour. Composites of a metal, a ceramics, and a high molecular weight organic compound reinforced with the above fibers are also provided.

Abstract: Fired nitride-base ceramics, i.e., silicon nitride or oxynitride, having a low carbon content and, therefore, low electrical and thermal conductivities, can be produced by heat treating a ceramic precursor comprising polysilazane, polysiloxazane or polycarbosilazane or a mixture thereof as the main ingredient in a reducing atmosphere such as hydrogen, ammonia or a gas containing these components, followed by firing.