On the impact of the plasma jet energy on the product of plasmadynamic synthesis in the Si-C system

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles can be used for ceramics reinforcement, creation of nanostructured ceramics, microelectromechanical systems. The paper presents the results of plasmadynamic synthesis of silicon carbide nanopowders. This method was realized by the synthesis in an electrodischarge plasma jet generated by a high-current pulsed coaxial magnetoplasma accelerator. Powdered carbon and silicon were used as precursors for the reaction. Four experiments with different energy levels (from 10.0 to 30.0 kJ) were carried out. The synthesized products were analysed by several modern techniques including X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. According to analysis results all the products mainly composed of cubic silicon carbide (b-SiC) with a small amount of unreacted precursors. Silicon carbide particles have a clear crystal structure, a triangular shape and sizes to a few hundred nanometers. Comparison of the results of experiments with different energy levels made it possible to draw conclusions on ways to control product phase composition and dispersion. The silicon carbide content and particles sizes increase with increasing the energy level.