초록 ▼

Beta-silicon carbide whiskers of superior uniformity can be formed, either singly or in-situ in a matrix, by heating a source for silicon with a source of carbon (greater than 0 percent but less than or equal to about 60 percent of stoichiometric, with respect to the silicon source) in the presence

Beta-silicon carbide whiskers of superior uniformity can be formed, either singly or in-situ in a matrix, by heating a source for silicon with a source of carbon (greater than 0 percent but less than or equal to about 60 percent of stoichiometric, with respect to the silicon source) in the presence of a titanium-containing catalyst, such as titanocene dichloride. Advantageously, the titanium catalyst can be applied by drying a solution of the titanium catalyst on the carbon and silicon sources. The titanium, carbon and silicon sources are then heated together, preferably to between about 1800°C. and about 1850°C., resulting in a product containing high quality beta-silicon carbide whiskers. The silicon source can be silicon nitride powder, which can either be substantially converted to free-flowing whiskers, or in the alternative, the silicon nitride powder, carbon source and titanium catalyst can be formed into a conventional ceramic matrix prior to conversion to beta-silicon carbide whiskers, so the whiskers formed therein will serve as a reinforcement for the ceramic matrix.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for forming beta-silicon carbide whiskers, said method comprising heating a solid silicon source and a carbon source in the presence of a titanium catalyst, wherein said silicon source is silicon nitride powder and said titanium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of organotitani

A method for forming beta-silicon carbide whiskers, said method comprising heating a solid silicon source and a carbon source in the presence of a titanium catalyst, wherein said silicon source is silicon nitride powder and said titanium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of organotitanium coordination compounds and titanium-containing materials other than the organotitanium coordination compounds.