Exploration of New Materials and Processing Using Sodium

Abstract

  Recent studies on the preparation of some Si containing materials and Si crystals by using Na were reviewed. Silicon carbide and beta-iron disilicide (β-FeSi₂) were fabricated at 700-800°C with Na melt or Na vapor. A new compound, Ba₃Si₄C₂, was synthesized with Na melt and SiC nano-powder. The phase diagram of Na-Si binary system was proposed based on the results of thermal analysis and observation of sample morphology. Polycrystals and single crystals of Si were obtained by evaporation of Na from Na-Si melt at 800-900°C.