Synthesis of hexagonal plate-like Al4SiC4 from calcined bauxite, silica and carbon black

Aluminum silicon carbide (Al4SiC4) ceramic powder was synthesized using a mixture of calcined bauxite, silica and carbon black powders via a carbothermal reduction process. The effects of synthesis temperature and raw materials ratio on the formation process and morphology of Al4SiC4 were investigated. The results indicated that the optimum condition for synthesizing hexagonal plate-like Al4SiC4 was 3 h sintering at 2073 K in flowing argon atmosphere. Al and Si formed when stoichiometric amount of silica was used. Al and Si with low melting point then melted and wrapped the Al4SiC4 grains, which promoted the nucleation of Al4SiC4.