SiC-Si3N4 nanocomposite prepared by the addition of SiO2+C

Paper deals with the low cost route of the preparation of SiC/Si3N4 nanocom posite. It is shown that SiC nanoinclusions distributed within the Si3N4 ma trix can be produced by carbothermal reduction of fine SiO2 particles added into a starting mixture. The amount of SiC nanoinclusions can be adjusted by the appropriate amount of SiO2 + C additives. Almost full density of the final composite was achieved by hot-pressing at 1750 degreesC using a "spe cial" heating regime allowing the outgasing of CO as a product of carbother mal reduction.