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Carbothermal synthesis of Si3N4 powders using a combustion synthesis precursor

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Abstract

Si3N4 powders were synthesized by a carbothermal reduction method using a SiO2 + C combustion synthesis precursor derived from a mixed solution consisting of silicic acid (Si source), polyacrylamide (additive), nitric acid (oxidizer), urea (fuel), and glucose (C source). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the obtained precursor exhibited a uniform mixture of SiO2 + C composed of porous blocky particles up to ∼20 μm. The precursor was subsequently calcined under nitrogen at 1200–1550°C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the initial reduction reaction started at about 1300°C, and the complete transition of SiO2 into Si3N4 was found at 1550°C. The Si3N4 powders, synthesized at 1550°C, exhibit a mixture phase of α- and β-Si3N4 and consist of mainly agglomerates of fine particles of 100–300 nm, needle-like crystals and whiskers with a diameter of about 100 nm and a length up to several micrometers, and a minor amount of irregular-shaped growths.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Beijing Key Laboratory for Advanced Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Ai-min Chu, Ming-li Qin, Bao-rui Jia, Hui-feng Lu & Xuan-hui Qu

  2. School of Electro-mechanism Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China

    Ai-min Chu

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  1. Ai-min Chu
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  2. Ming-li Qin
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  4. Hui-feng Lu
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Correspondence to Ming-li Qin.

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Chu, Am., Qin, Ml., Jia, Br. et al. Carbothermal synthesis of Si3N4 powders using a combustion synthesis precursor. Int J Miner Metall Mater 20, 76–81 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-013-0696-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-013-0696-5

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