Synthesis of aluminum oxycarbide (Al2OC) by selective microwave heating

Abstract

Aluminum oxycarbide (Al2OC) is known as a promising material for refractory and abrasive uses. However, Al2OC is synthesized at high temperatures with a long reaction time by an electric furnace. Microwaves are known as a low energy heating method due to its heating mechanism; rapid heating and cooling, selective and internal heating, etc. Therefore, Al2OC was synthesized from amorphous carbon and alumina using a microwave furnace. The reaction ratio and particle shape were measured by XRD, SEM and TGA. The results showed that the reaction ratio increased by the microwave heating versus conventional heating, because the carbon and alumina interface was efficiently heated by the microwaves.