The influence of process parameters on in situ inorganic foaming of alkali-bonded SiC based foams

Silicon carbide (SiC) foams were developed with a low temperature process by using an inorganic alkali aluminosilicates binder, also known as geopolymer. The foaming agent was the metallic silicon present as impurity in the SiC powder. Si0 in the alkaline solution led to gas evolution that induced the foaming of the slurries. The binder was a geopolymeric resin with atomic ratio Si/Al = 2 and potassium as alkaline cation, classified as (K)poly(silalate-siloxo). The geopolymeric resin was prepared using metakaolin as aluminosilicatic raw powder, while the alkali aqueous solution was KOH/K2SiO3. Metakaolin in alkaline conditions dissolved and re-precipitated to form geopolymeric nano-particulates that acted as a glue to stick together SiC particles (90 wt.%). Process parameters such as water addition, mixing time and curing temperature were correlated to the foam structure. The formation of prolate pores induced anisotropy in the compressive strength. The foams were studied by dilatometric analysis in inert and oxidative atmospheres up to 1200 °C.