Phase Analysis and Study of the Microstructure of Cordierite-Si3N4 Composite Synthesis by Nano- and Micro-Sized Silicon Particles

Abstract

In this study the effect of in situ Si3N4 formation on the microstructure changes of cordierite-Si3N4 composite prepared using nano silicon powders, which obtained in a high energy planetary ball mill, and micro silicon powder was investigated. Different mixtures of the cordierite with nano and micro silicon powders were prepared and sintered in a tube furnace at different temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere. Microstructural characteristics, thermal properties and phase analysis of these composites were carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). It was found that micro and nano silicon particles have different reaction characterizations with the nitrogen in the matrix of cordierite at various temperatures. Results showed that by using nano silicon powder the formation of silicon nitride bonding will be increased which could be related to the acceleration of nitride phase at temperatures lower than the temperature of liquid phase formation.