Synthesis of Single-Phase, Hexagonal Plate-Like Al<sub>4</sub>SiC<sub>4</sub> Powder

Abstract

Single-phase and hexagonal plate-like Al4SiC4 powder was successfully synthesized using a mixture of Al(OH)3, SiO2 and carbon via a carbothermal reduction process. Two-step reaction was compartmentally observed during the calcination; the carbothermal reduction of SiO2 between 1300 and 1600oC and that of Al2O3 above 1500oC. The mechanisms which were responsible for the synthesis of the ternary carbide (Al4SiC4) powder were discussed.