Synthesis of Silicon Nitride from Carbothermal Reduction of Rice Husks by the Constant‐Rate‐Thermal‐Analysis (CRTA) Method

Abstract

Silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) has been obtained from the carbothermal reduction of rice husks by applying the constant‐rate‐thermal‐analysis (CRTA) method. Under this method, the reaction rate of carbothermal reduction can be controlled and at the same time the CO concentration generated is maintained constant at a previously selected value by the user. By using this synthesis technique it has been possible to obtain ceramic powder from rice husks with a determined phase composition and a controlled microstructure. Therefore, rice husks have great potential as a raw material for producing Si 3 N 4 by the CRTA method.