Silicon carbide nanopowders: The parametric study of synthesis by laser pyrolysis

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanopowders were synthesized by laser pyrolysis using a pilot scale facility to achieve production rates higher than 1.1 kg/h. For a better control of the process, the synthesis parameters have been systematically studied and their influences were determined. The reactants' speed has been studied between 128 and 766 cm/s and the power density between 150 and 2050 W/cm 2. Furthermore, the influence of the injector shape on the homogeneity of the produced nanopowders has been investigated. The powders were characterized by BET and TEM to determine the particle size distribution and their average diameter. This study allowed us to better understand the influence of these key synthesis parameters and produce large quantities of uniform batches of SiC nanopowders, with an average size adjusted between 18 and 100 nm with narrow size distribution. © 2011 The American Ceramic Society.