Microwave Synthesis of Ultrafine Silicon Carbide Whiskers

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers were formed by microwave and conventional heating in the present study. SiC whiskers with diameters in the nanometer range were synthesized by reducing silica (SiO 2 ) with various forms of carbon in a microwave furnace. Ultrafine SiO 2 powder, char, phenolformaldehyde resin, and carbon black were used as starting materials. The effects of temperature and type of heating on the production of SiC whiskers, as well as the role of carbon, are discussed here.