<i>In Situ</i> Synthesis of SiC and β-Si<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>3</sub>O<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub> Whiskers in Alumina Carbon Based Materials

Abstract

SiC whiskers are the common reinforced phases in alumina carbon refractories. In this paper, the effect of transition metal catalyst on the evolution of matrix phase and the formation of β-Si3Al3O3N5 whiskers were studied. It was found that the whiskers of both SiC and β-Si3Al3O3N5 in alumina carbon materials with the catalyst in reducing atmosphere were generated. The existence of catalyst can promote the nitriding process of Si metal and facilitate the formation of β-Si3Al3O3N5 whiskers. The growth mechanism of both SiC and β-Si3Al3O3N5 whiskers agrees with the vapor-liquid-solid model.