Preparation of Biomorphic SiC by Reactive Infiltration of Gaseous Si into Carbonized Millet

Abstract

Biomorphic silicon carbide (bioSiC) was prepared at 1800 oC by reactive infiltration of gaseous silicon into a carbon template derived from millet. The pyrolysis process of millet was measured by thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology and microstructures of carbon template and purified bioSiC samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The phase composition of bioSiC was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The results suggest that the bioSiC consists of major cubic ß-SiC and a few α-SiC, and principally replicates the shape and microstructure of the carbon template.