Effect of carbon content on synthesis of SiC/BN nanocomposite powders by carbothermal reduction - nitridation of borosilicate glass

Abstract

SiC/BN nanocomposite powders were produced by heating the starting materials of boric acid, silica and carbon powders in nitrogen atmosphare. At above 800 oC, borosilicate glass was formed by reaction of boric acid with silica, and the SiC/BN composite powder was synthesized by carbothermal reduction and nitridation of borosilicate glass over at 1550 oC. The SiC/BN composites sintered by hot-pressing the nanocomposite powders showed high strength and good machinability.