Microstructural characterization of C–SiC–carbon nanotube composite flakes Original Research Article

Composite flakes of carbon, silicon carbide (SiC) and carbon nanotubes were synthesized by spray pyrolysis employing a slurry of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) and SiC powders in xylene at 1000 ± 50 °C. These flakes were characterized for their microstructure and composition by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. These studies suggest the in situ formation of nanotubes and sintering of the SiC nanoparticles to form the freestanding composite flakes.