Powder Precursors for Nanoceramics: Cleaning and Compaction

Thermal surface purification in an inert gas flow and densification processes of SiC and diamond nanocrystalline powders with specific surface in the range of 60 – 300 m2/g and average grain sizes from 5 to 15 nm in diameter were examined. Termogravimetric Analysis (TGA) linked with mass spectrometry of outgassing products show that surface impurities desorb at up to 450°C. Further heating above 450°C leads to oxidation of the powder surface. Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) and gas porosimetry (ASAP) was applied to investigate densification of the nanocrystalline powders. Compaction under 1GPa or higher pressure was found necessary for obtaining the ceramic matrix with porosity in the nanometer range.