Polymer-derived ceramic method is one of the most important methods for preparing ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). By rationally designing the molecular structure of polymer precursors

it is easy to regulate the microstructure and properties of the final ceramics. Refractory metal polymers with unitary molecular structure and good linearity as a kind of single-source precursor is very promising in preparing UHTCs

especially continuous UHTC fibers. This review firstly summarizes the structure-function relationship within UHTCs

which provides significant guidance for designing the elemental composition and molecular structure of refractory metal polymer as UHTCs precursor. The latest research progress of refractory metal polymer-derived UHTCs is outlined

with special emphasis on precisely regulating the molecular chain of refractory metal polymer. Finally

the development direction of polymer-derived UHTCs is briefly prospected. This review is expected to promote the research and development of polymer-derived UHTCs for application in the fields of aerospace

nuclear energy and other extreme thermal environments.