Aspect silicon carbides

The thermodynamics of the above-elucidated SiC/C and SijN Si composites are determined by the decomposition of silicon carbide and silicon nitride, respectively, into their elements. The chemistry of ternary Si-C-N composites is more complex. If producing Si-C-N ceramics for applications at elevated temperature, reactions between carbon and silicon nitride have to be considered. Figure 18.2, which exhibits a ternary phase diagram valid up to 1484°C (1 bar N2) displays the situation. The only stable crystalline phases under these conditions are silicon carbide and silicon nitride. Ceramics with compositions in the three-phase field SiC/Si3N4/N are unknown (this is a consequence of the thermal instability of C-N bonds). Although composites within the three-phase field SiC/Si3N4/Si are thermodynamically stable even above 1500°C, such materials are rare. The reasons are difficulties in the synthesis of the required precursors and silicon melting above 1414°C. The latter aspect is of relevance, since liquid silicon dramatically worsens the mechanical properties of the derived ceramics. 

The present paper discusses the preparation and properties of high surface area silicon carbide and oxynitride with respect to possible application in catalysis. The synthetic work includes new routes to high surface area forms of these materials. Regarding properties, an important aspect is stability. This refers both to the stability of a pore system in a non-oxide material, on which there is very little information available, and to the stability of the surface composition in the case of the latter, oxidation to the oxide will be thermodynamically preferred in most cases. We report data on the textural stability of porous silicon carbide and on the surface stability of high surface area silicon oxynitrides. Some of the work reported in the present paper has been described at recent conferences (7,8) and in a communication (9). 

Furnaces are constructed using an induction heated crucible of graphite or silicon carbide, contained within a refractory lined vacuum vessel. The zinc condenser may be external, in the vacuum train, or may be contained within the lid of the containment vessel. Seals are by rubber O rings in water-cooled flanges and the ability to maintain vacuum is a critical aspect of efficient operation. Target operating pressure is around 80 mbar absolute. The final temperature of the retort bullion (impure silver) formed within the retort at the end of a batch is in the range of 1100 to 1200°C. The detection of the end point of the batch distillation is also an important aspect of operation and usually is determined by the vacuum pressure and the temperature of the residual metal. Typical performance is shown in Table 12.2. 

Short-fibre reinforced metal matrix composites are significantly less expensive than long-fibre reinforced materials and can thus be used in automotive engineering or in sports equipment. For example, short-fibre reinforced aluminium-silicon carbide composites can be used as pistons in diesel engines at elevated temperatures [49]. Golf clubs and bicycle components can also be manufactured from aluminium matrix composites. Frequently, whiskers (see section 6.2.8) are used as short fibres because of their high strength and favourable aspect ratio. 

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