Tailoring and application of SiC nanowires in composites

SiC nanowires with different aspect ratios are tailored by high temperature etching using nickel oxide. Hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid are used to remove the nickel silicides produced in the high temperature etching and cut the nanowires to short ones. The average aspect ratio of SiC nanowires can be tuned by adjusting the amount of nickel oxide. The effect of different aspect ratios on the mechanical properties of SiC nanowires reinforced epoxy resin composite is investigated. It is found that the average aspect ratio of SiC nanowires significantly affect the tensile strength and bending strength of the epoxy resin composite. SiC nanowires with lower aspect ratio have better reinforcement effect in epoxy resin composites due to their better dispersion ability.