Processing, mechanical and thermophysical properties of silicon nitride based composites with carbon nanotubes and graphene

Abstract

Silicon nitride based composites with different amount (1, 2 and 3 wt%) of multi-wall and single-wall carbon nanotubes, and graphene have been prepared. Optimisation of the manufacturing processes has been conducted to preserve the carbon nanotubes in composites and to avoid damaging during high temperature processing. The first results show that carbon nanotubes have a good contact to the surface of silicon nitride grains. In the case of increase of sintering pressure an increase of bending strength was achieved. It was found that microstructure features achieved by properly designed sintering parameters are the main responsible factors for the strength improvements.