Silicon Nitride - Carbon Nanotube Composites

摘要

Multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced silicon nitride composites have been prepared by hot isostatic pressing. A manufacturing process has been worked out to avoid the damage of nanotubes during sintering. This method provides their preservation even in severe circumstances at temperature 1700℃ and gas pressure 20 MPa. As shown by scanning and transmission electron microscopy after low and high pressure processing, carbon nanotubes have good adherence to the silicon nitride grains. Moreover, carbon nanotubes have been found to be located not only at grain surfaces, but in several cases they are well integrated with the silicon nitride grains. Composites with higher strengths can be obtained by increasing the nitrogen gas pressure.