Silicon Carbide Nanomaterials Research Articles

Microstructure and properties of aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite

ABSTRACT Aluminium metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) reinforced with particulate have been in the limelight recently due to their improved tribological and mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, impact resistance, wear resistance, etc. It is well known that carbon nanotube and silicon carbide nanomaterials are widely used as reinforcements in various types of metal or alloy matrix materials. However, hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with more than one type nanomaterials are rarely reported in the literature. In this work, a novel aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite with carbon nanotube and nano SiC has been fabricated. Properties of hybrid nanocomposites are compared with nanocomposites reinforced with individual reinforcements. Vicker’s micro-hardness property of specimens was tested at 100 gmf load applied at 10 s dwell time. The hardness and compressive strength have increased 111% and 58%, respectively with the reinforcement of nanoparticles in the metal matrix. Dry wear property of specimens was carried out at 35, 40 and 45 N load with variable speeds viz. 500, 550 and 600 rpm. Wear resistance increases as the carbon reinforcement increases in the metal matrix. The wear mechanism of nanocomposite materials has been evaluated by using scanning electron microscopic analysis.

Progress of One-Dimensional SiC Nanomaterials: Design, Fabrication and Sensing Applications.

One-dimensional silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials hold great promise for a series of applications, such as nanoelectronic devices, sensors, supercapacitors, and catalyst carriers, attributed to their unique electrical, mechanical, and physicochemical properties. Recent progress in their design and fabrication has led to a deep understanding of the structural evolution and structure-property correlation. Several unique attributes, such as high electron mobility, offer SiC nanomaterials an opportunity in the design of SiC-based sensors with high sensitivity. In this review, a brief introduction to the structure and properties of SiC is first presented, and the latest progress in design and fabrication of one-dimensional SiC nanomaterials is summarized. Then, the sensing applications of one-dimensional SiC nanomaterials are reviewed. Finally, our perspectives on the important research direction and future opportunities of one-dimensional SiC nanomaterial for sensors are proposed.

Advancements in silicon carbide-based supercapacitors: materials, performance, and emerging applications.

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for supercapacitor electrodes due to their unique properties, which encompass a broad electrochemical stability range, exceptional mechanical strength, and resistance to extreme conditions. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in SiC nanomaterials for supercapacitors. It encompasses diverse synthesis methods for SiC nanomaterials, including solid-state, gas-phase, and liquid-phase synthesis techniques, while also discussing the advantages and challenges associated with each method. Furthermore, this review places a particular emphasis on the electrochemical performance of SiC-based supercapacitors, highlighting the pivotal role of SiC nanostructures and porous architectures in enhancing specific capacitance and cycling stability. A deep dive into SiC-based composite materials, such as SiC/carbon composites and SiC/metal oxide hybrids, is also included, showcasing their potential to elevate energy density and cycling stability. Finally, the paper outlines prospective research directions aimed at surmounting existing challenges and fully harnessing SiC's potential in the development of next-generation supercapacitors.

The effect of graphite flake diameter on the resistance to thermal shock, microstructure and mechanical properties of silicon carbide nanomaterials

The effect of graphite flake diameter on the resistance to thermal shock, microstructure and mechanical properties of silicon carbide nanomaterials

Recent Progress in SiC Nanostructures as Anode Materials for Lithium- Ion Batteries

Abstract: Large volume variation during charge/discharge of silicon (Si) nanostructures applied as the anode electrodes for high energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been considered the most critical problem, inhibiting their commercial applications. Searching for alternative high performance anodes for LIBs has been emphasized. Silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials, a wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent mechanical properties, have been investigated as anode electrode materials even as active materials, protective layers, or inactive buffer stuff. In this mini review, we briefly summarize the synthesis of SiC nanostructures, the application of SiC/C anode materials, and SiC/Si composite anodes in LIBs.

A Systematic Review on the Synthesis of Silicon Carbide: An Alternative Approach to Valorisation of Residual Municipal Solid Waste

Over the past several decades, industrialised and developing nations have attempted to enhance sustainability. Demands for energy and the acceleration in environmental deterioration are the two primary obstacles to progress. The daily generation of municipal solid waste has been a significant factor in the deterioration of the ecology. To address this issue, a considerable amount of municipal solid waste may be used to synthesise SiC nanomaterials from organic and inorganic fractions and use them as carbon and silica sources. Nanomaterials have progressively received widespread prominence as the development of particulate materials accelerates at an incredible rate. One such material is silicon carbide (SiC), which has garnered considerable interest due to its remarkable performance and wide variety of applications. This review article discusses the SiC polytypes, including cubic, hexagonal, and rhombohedral SiC. The characteristics of silicon carbide, such as its biomimetic, surface, and thermal properties, are also discussed. In addition, the synthesis of silicon carbide was described in depth, including microwave sintering, the calcination method, the carbothermal redox reaction, and much more. The final section describes the applications of silicon carbide, including wastewater treatment, medical implants, and gas detection.

Effect of Silica-Based Nanomaterials on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The application of nanomaterials (NMs) in agriculture has become a global concern in recent years. However, studies on their effects on plants are still limited. Here, we conducted a seed germination experiment for 5 days and a hydroponics experiment for 14 days to study the effects of silicon dioxide NMs(nSiO2) and silicon carbide NMs(nSiC) (0,10, 50, 200 mg/L) on rice (Oryza sativa L.). Bulk SiO2 (bSiO2) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used as controls. The results showed that nSiO2 and nSiC increased the shoot length (11-37%, 6-25%) and root length (17-87%, 59-207%) of germinating seeds, respectively, compared with the control. Similarly, inter-root exposure to nSiO2, bSiO2, and nSiC improved the activity of aboveground catalase (10-55%, 31-34%, and 13-51%) and increased the content of trace elements magnesium, copper, and zinc, thus promoting the photosynthesis of rice. However, Na2SiO3 at a concentration of 200 mg/L reduced the aboveground and root biomass of rice by 27-51% and 4-17%, respectively. This may be because excess silicon not only inhibited the activity of root antioxidant enzymes but also disrupted the balance of mineral elements. This finding provides a new basis for the effect of silica-based NMs promotion on seed germination and rice growth.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Fiber Nanocomposite Using Titanium Dioxide and Silicon Carbide Nanomaterials

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have spread to a wide range of industries in recent decades, including the automobile, aeronautics, and space industries. Recently, the emergence of new requirements for improved properties and features has become one of the major drivers of the introduction of innovative methodologies and process optimization. In this study, the effect of nanomaterials on the behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was investigated experimentally. The grafting of TiO2 and SiC nanomaterials onto the surface of fibers was performed by mixing nanomaterials in the epoxy resin. CFRPs were manufactured using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) in this study and characterized using mechanical and thermal testing. The primary test parameters were carbon fiber with epoxy resin and 0% nanomaterials by weight. An increase in properties was observed in nanocomposite with 2% wt. of nanomaterials when compared with 0, 0.5, and 1% wt. Between 0 wt.% and 2 wt.%, the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, and HDT properties were increased by 17%, 39%, 32%, 14% and 21%, respectively, due to the addition of nanomaterials into the resin.

Formation of polypropylene nanocomposite joint using silicon carbide nanowhiskers as novel susceptor for microwave welding

Up to present, no study has reported on the use of silicon carbide nanomaterials (SiCNMs) as susceptor for microwave welding of thermoplastics. Therefore, in this study, silicon carbide nanowhiskers (SiCNWs) was attempted as the microwave susceptor for the microwave welding of polypropylene (PP). It was observed that SiCNWs are capable of absorbing microwave and converting them into heat, leading to a sharp increase in temperature until it reaches the melting point of PP substrates. The microwave welded joint is formed after the molten PP at the interface between PP substrates is cooled under pressure. The effect of microwave heating duration and solid loading of SiCNWs suspension was studied and reported. The formation mechanism of SiCNWs reinforced PP welded joint was proposed in this study. With these remarkable advantages of microwave welding and enhanced mechanical properties of the welded joint, it is believed that this study can provide a new insight into welding of thermoplastic and material processing through short-term microwave heating.

Nanofabrication of Silicon Carbide and Optical Processing and Inspection of Noncurved Mirrors

With the gradual development of modern technology, there are still areas that need to be broken through in the field of science. In today’s society, the application range of noncurved mirrors is becoming more and more extensive. The application of aspheric mirrors will not only improve the imaging quality in all aspects but also improve the application of aspheric surfaces in aerospace, military, optics, physics, etc., and enhance economic benefits. Silicon carbide materials can be used in combination with noncurved mirror materials and produced in the market. This paper mainly studies how to prepare silicon carbide nanomaterials and discusses the relevant characteristics of silicon carbide through the preparation of silicon carbide materials. The aspheric mirror is mainly based on the large-diameter, high-precision aspheric mirror manufacturing system as the research background, which provides certain work experience for the follow-up research. Through the background research of the optical system of the aspheric mirror, this paper analyzed the essentials of aspheric processing technology and then combined the related content of the silicon carbide nanometer and the aspheric mirror. Nowadays, with the development of science and technology, the development prospects of silicon carbide nanomaterials are also more and more broad. After the entire production line of silicon carbide material was put into the production line, it has been recognized by the market, and the benefits are very good, bringing great production benefits to people, and it can be produced on a large scale in the future.

Structures, Electronic Properties, and Gas Permeability of 3D Pillared Silicon Carbide Nanostructures.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is recognized as excellent material for high power/temperature applications with a wide-band gap semiconductor. With different structures at the nanosize scale, SiC nanomaterials offer outstanding mechanical, physical, and chemical properties leading to a variety of applications. In this work, new 3D pillared SiC nanostructures have been designed and investigated based on self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) including Van der Waals dispersion corrections. The structural and electronic properties of 3D pillared SiC nanostructures with effects of diameters and pillar lengths have been studied and compared with 3D pillared graphene nanostructures. The permeability of small gas molecules including H2O, CO2, N2, NO, O2, and NO2 have been demonstrated with different orientations into the 3D pillared SiC nanostructures. The promising candidate of 3D pillared SiC nanostructures for gas molecule separation application at room temperature is highlighted.

Tribological Properties of Lubricating Grease Additives Made of Silica and Silicon Carbide Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials have been widely used in many fields due to their special microstructure and quantum size effect. In addition, there are many advantages that other traditional materials do not have. Nanometer silicon dioxide and silicon carbide as inorganic nonmetal high-tech materials have high temperature resistance, no pollution and other properties, and are very suitable for making grease additives. At the same time, it is also possible to improve the tribological properties of grease additives by using unique characteristics such as innocuity and tastelessness. Correspondingly, grease is an additive that cannot be obtained in equipment manufacturing. It is very urgent to continuously study and improve the service performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore new routes of grease additives and transmission based on the theory of nano-materials, analyze the development and fusion paths in the application of nano-technology technology, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of application. This article will use the research method of specific analysis of specific problems to make data comparison and draw a conclusion. Through theoretical innovation and exploration, we can find a suitable model to promote the development of industrial additives. The research results show that the amount of lubricating grease used in rolling bearings accounts for 80% of the amount of lubricating grease. Adding silica to lubricating grease can improve the stability of additives by 26% and effectively improve the use effect of lubricating grease. Therefore, combining with the characteristics of the current era, nano-technology is used to fully absorb and reform and actively innovate and improve the technological level. This paper analyzes the different application difficulties and explores the development prospects, thus proposing the realization path of improving chemical coatings. These theories are used to guide innovation and integration, providing valuable experience for the wide application of nanotechnology.

Selective Thermal Transformation of Automotive Shredder Residues into High-Value Nano Silicon Carbide.

Automotive waste represents both a global waste challenge and the loss of valuable embedded resources. This study provides a sustainable solution to utilise the mixed plastics of automotive waste residue (ASR) as a resource that will curtail the landfilling of hazardous waste and its adverse consequences to the environment. In this research, the selective thermal transformation has been utilised to produce nano silicon carbide (SiC) using mixed plastics and glass from automotive waste as raw materials. The composition and formation mechanisms of SiC nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray-Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The as synthesised SiC nanoparticles at 1500 °C has uniform spherical shapes with the diameters of the fixed edges of about 50–100 nm with a porous structure. This facile way of synthesising SiC nanomaterials would lay the foundations for transforming complex wastes into value-added, high-performing materials, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.

Synthesis and formation mechanism of novel double-thick-walled silicon carbide nanotubes from multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In this study, double-thick-walled (DTW) silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes, the walls of which comprise connected disordered polycrystalline nanograins, were successfully synthesized for the first time via the reaction of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with Si powder. DTW SiC nanotubes are expected to exhibit novel properties unlike other SiC nanomaterials, owing to their intriguing geometries. The DTW SiC nanotubes had a wall thickness exceeding 20 nm, regardless of the external diameter, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy results. The DTW SiC nanotubes with a spacing of above 30 nm between the outer and inner nanotubes exhibited perfect double-walled structures. The inner and outer nanotubes were not connected in any region. When all the carbon was transformed into SiC, the volume of carbon increased to 2.2 times the initial value. These results reveal that DTW SiC nanotubes with perfect structures cannot be synthesized without an MWCNT wall thickness of at least 50 nm. Several types of DTW SiC nanotubes with different morphologies, such as diameter, end structure, and distance between the inner and outer nanotubes, were synthesized. The morphology of DTW SiC nanotubes can be controlled by changing the wall thickness and/or diameter of the original MWCNTs and the reaction conditions.

Synthesis of multifunctional foam-like isotropic high volume fraction SiC nanowires preform via a simple method

Lightweight, pure, foam-like and macro-structured ceramic nanowires preform with a certain structural strength and good electromagnetic functional performance can be used as the skeleton of new isotropic ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to improve its comprehensive performance. With this aim, silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials are promising candidates. However, little is studied at present regarding pure SiC nanowires as the preform for structural and functional CMCs. In this study, an isotropic SiC nanowire preform with a cross-linked structure among the nanowires was designed and prepared via an in-situ synthesis method, based on the carbon template. As prepared SiC nanowires with high purity can spontaneously and uniformly distribute in three dimensions. Furthermore, the crystallinity, and volume fraction of the nanowires preform can be flexibly adjusted. SiC nanowires preform has a low-density (0.1 g cm−3) and rigid structure, which can be attributed to high-volume fraction (26.05%) of nanowires and the crossing and connection among nanowires. Importantly, owing to its unique structure, the maximum stress of the SiC nanowires preform reaches 34 KPa. The prepared SiC nanowire preform achieved full absorption in the X-band, and the specific microwave absorption performance exceeded 45.18 dB cm−2 g−1. The preform exhibits also excellent thermal stability and thermal insulation performance. These make it a particularly promising preform of CMCs combining structure and functional performance.

Synthesis of SiC nanowhiskers by microwave heating: effect of size of graphite

Silicon carbide is a promising material for various applications, especially for applications in high frequency, high power and high temperature and harsh conditions such as highly oxidative and corrosive environment. Currently, silicon carbide is produced by conventional heating process. For silicon carbide nanomaterials, various methods have been attempted. In this study, SiC nanowhiskers were synthesized by microwave heating of blends of graphite and silica in the ratio of 3: 1. Graphite of two different size, namely micro graphite and nano graphite were used. The blends firstly prepared by ultrasonic mixing graphite and silica in ethanol followed by drying. The blends were then heated by using laboratory microwaves furnace to 1450 °C at heating rate of 20 °C/min for 20 minutes. Finally, the SiC nanowhiskers was characterized by using scanning electron microscope.

Synthesis of silicon carbide nanomaterials by microwave heating: Effect of types of carbon nanotubes

One-dimensional silicon carbide nanomaterial (SiCNM) is the leading potential material for high temperature, high power and harsh environment components and devices. This is due to the outstanding properties of the one-dimensional SiCNMs such as high mechanical properties, high hardness, good chemical inertness and excellent electronic properties. In this paper, we reported the successful synthesis of one-dimensional SiCNMs from blend of SiO2 particles with two types of CNTs, namely MWCNTs and SWCNTs by using microwave heating and the effect of types of CNTs on the synthesis of one-dimensional SiCNMs. The result of x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed that high purity of β-SiC nanotube was obtained from blend of SiO2 particles and MWCNTs while solid SiC nanowire was synthesized from blend of SiO2 particles and SWCNTs and associated with the presence of residual of unreacted SiO2 particles. This clearly shows that types of one dimensional SiCNMs (hollow or solid) can be controlled by using different types of CNTs and thus this study proposed a high efficiency microwave heating method for the synthesis of one-dimensional SiCNMs with controllable morphology.

On the nanoscale behaviour of single-wall C, BN and SiC nanotubes

The paper presents a numerical study of defect-free single-wall carbon, boron nitride and silicon carbide armchair and zigzag nanotubes, through a simple stick-and-spring model, based on Morse and cosine potential functions. The study investigates the relaxed configuration of the tubes and gives a comprehensive evaluation of their elastic constants, which is performed by framing tensile, torsional and radial tests within the membrane behaviour of a Donnell thin shell model. Extensive comparisons with reference ab-initio results are given and used to refine some parameters of the potential functions for hexagonal silicon carbide nanomaterials.

Enhanced Flexibility and Microwave Absorption Properties of HfC/SiC Nanofiber Mats.

Hafnium carbide (HfC) phase, with a high melting point, excellent strength, and high electrical conductivity, could be a suitable addition to enhance the microwave absorption properties of one-dimensional silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials without sacrificing its high-temperature thermal stability. In the present work, HfC/SiC hybrid nanofiber mats with different HfC loading contents are fabricated by electrospinning and high-temperature pyrolysis. HfC hybrids with sizes of 5-10 nm are embedded in the SiC nanofibers. As the HfC content increases from 0 to 6.3 wt %, the average diameter of the fibers drops from 2.62 μm to 260 nm. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity rises from 7.9 × 10-8 to 4.2 × 10-5 S/cm. Moreover, the flexibility of the nanofiber mats is also greatly improved, according to a 200-times 180° bending test. Furthermore, compared with pure SiC fiber mats, the HfC/SiC nanofiber mats possess much larger dielectric loss because of higher electrical conductivity. At the optimal HfC content of 2.5 wt %, the HfC/SiC nanofibers/silicon resin composite (10 wt %) exhibits a minimal reflection loss (RL) of -33.9 dB at 12.8 GHz and a 3 mm thickness with a broad effective absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) of 7.4 GHz. The above results prove that introducing HfC into SiC nanofiber mats is an effective way to enhance their flexibility, dielectric properties, and microwave absorption performance.

Cellular toxicity of silicon carbide nanomaterials as a function of morphology

Silicon carbide has been shown to be biocompatible and is used as a coating material for implanted medical devices to prevent biofilms. Silicon carbide nanomaterials are also promising in cell tracking due to their stable and strong luminescence, but more comprehensive studies of this material on the nanoscale are needed. Here, we studied the toxicity of silicon carbide nanomaterials on human mesenchymal stem cells in terms of metabolism, viability, adhesion, proliferation, migration, oxidative stress, and differentiation ability. We compared two different shapes and found that silicon carbide nanowires are toxic to human mesenchymal stem cells but not to cancer cell lines at the concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Control silicon carbide nanoparticles were biocompatible to human mesenchymal stem cells at 0.1 mg/mL. We studied the potential mechanistic effect of silicon carbide nanowires on human mesenchymal stem cells’ phenotype, cytokine secretion, and gene expression. These findings suggest that the toxic effect of silicon carbide nanomaterials to human mesenchymal stem cells are dependent on morphology.