Preparation and properties of silicon carbide ceramics by reaction sintering

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a covalent compound formed of carbon and silicon and is known for its excellent properties, including high wear resistance, thermal shock resistance, strong corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity. These properties make silicon carbide an ideal material for a variety of applications in multiple industries, including aerospace, machine manufacturing, petrochemicals, metal smelting and electronics. Particularly suitable for the production of wear-resistant parts and high-temperature structural parts. The development of reaction-sintered silicon carbide ceramics has played a key role in advancing the industrial applications of this versatile material.

The traditional method of producing reaction-sintered silicon carbide ceramics is to use silicon carbide powder combined with a small amount of carbon powder. The mixture undergoes a high-temperature siliconization reaction to form a dense ceramic material. However, this traditional craft is not without its drawbacks. The sintering process is characterized by long duration, high temperature and high energy consumption, resulting in high production costs. As industry requirements for silicon carbide ceramic shapes and forms become increasingly complex, the limitations of traditional methods become increasingly apparent.

In recent years, the introduction of silicon carbide nanopowders has become a promising solution to improve the mechanical properties of silicon carbide ceramics. Using nanopowders can produce ceramics with higher sintered densities and higher flexural strengths. However, the cost of silicon carbide nanopowder is relatively high, often exceeding 10,000 yuan per ton, which poses a major obstacle to widespread adoption and large-scale production. This economic challenge requires the exploration of alternative raw materials and methods to make the production of silicon carbide ceramics more feasible and cost-effective.

Additionally, the ability to produce complex shapes and larger parts opens up new avenues for silicon carbide ceramic applications. Industries requiring complex designs and high-performance materials can benefit from this innovative preparation method. The design flexibility and mass production potential of high-quality silicon carbide ceramics could lead to major advances in areas such as aerospace and electronics where material performance is critical.