Formation of boron nitride thin films on β-Si 3N 4 whiskers and α-SiC platelets by dip-coating

Abstract

Thin films of boron nitride have been deposited on the surface of β-Si 3N 4 whiskers and α-SiC platelets by dip-coating in aqueous and methanolic boric acid solutions, respectively followed by drying at room temperature, heating in nitrogen flow, and finally nitriding in an ammonia flow at 1000 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies proved the formation of boron nitride surface coating. The XPS studies indicated that the methanolic boric acid solution was a more effective precursor as compared to the aqueous solution. Transformation of H 3BO 3 to BN was much more efficient on the surface of SiC platelets than on that of Si 3N 4 whiskers.