Abstract
The formation of Si3N4 whiskers from rice hulls was studied. Si3N4 whiskers were synthesized by nitridation of SiO2-C system in N2-gas flows at 1400 and 1450ºC. The shape and microstructure of the whiskers were SEM and TEM inspected. The whiskers of a cylindrical shape grew along the < 1011 > direction without any defects. The phase of the whiskers was of the a-type and their diameter and length were 0.1∼0.5 μm and 300∼1800 μm, respectively. A droplet of Fe-Si system was found at the tip of the whiskers. It is suggested that the VLS mechanism controls the growth of the whiskers.
† This report was originally printed in Journal of the Society of Materials Science, Japan, 37(412), 65-69 (1988) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Materials Science, Japan.
