Synthesis of SiC Nano-Powders by Solid-Vapor Reaction

Silicon carbide (SiC) nano-powders are successfully synthesized by a reaction between carbon nano-powders (carbon black) and SiO gas at 1300°C for 9 hrs in dynamic argon atmosphere (flow rate; 400 cm3 min-1), using the solid-vapor reaction method. The particle size of synthesized SiC nano-powders is below 40 nm and the shape is uniform. Unexpectedly, SiC nano-fibers are also coexisted in the SiC nano-powders. The quantitative and qualitative properties of the SiC nanopowders and nano-fibers are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Carbon residuals removed by heating over 700°C in air are estimated by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). It is found that the SiC nanopowders are easily produced by direct synthesis via the solid-vapor reaction method. The morphological characteristics of the resulting SiC nano-powders are dependent upon the morphology of carbon black used as precursor.