Copyrolysis of polysilane with metallic tungsten addition in the range of 0-12 at % W was performed. A significant decrease of the mass loss during the polysilane pyrolysis was observed. Also the specific surface area, gas evolution and occuring phase formation changed. The tungsten forms silicides and carbides depending on the applied pyrolysis temperature. The reactions are controlled by transport phenomena of carbon and tungsten. In the end of the process the silicon carbide (SiC) and tungsten carbide (WC) are stable. The obtained powders are sintered to porous ceramics with a significant pore gradient and a variation of the hardness in a micrometer range.