Synthesis of Silicon Carbide by Reaction Milling in a Dual-drive Planetary Mill

Abstract

Reaction milling has become a very effective means of synthesizing compounds from the corresponding elemental constituents. In this of silicon carbide is synthesized from elemental silicon and graphite powder by high-energy reaction milling in a specially built dual drive planetary mill. Reaction milling in this type of mill is most affected by the size of the grinding media. The phase evolutions, particle size distribution and morphology of particles during milling are studied during a 40 hours grinding period. Particle size distribution shows considerable amount of material is below 10 micron. X-ray diffraction study indicates complete conversion of silicon and graphite to silicon carbide. The crystallite size varies from 10 micron from the start to 100 nm after 40 hours of milling. The SEM picture clearly reveals the progress of size reduction and the extent of agglomeration of particles.