In this study, α-Si3N4 powder was produced by carbothermal reduction and nitridation
(CRN) of quartz from Can-Canakkale. Carbon with a specific surface area of 110 m2g−1 and quartz
powders were mixed then the powder mix was placed in an alumina tube furnace and reacted in
between 1300-1500°C for 4 hours under nitrogen flow. The quartz powder was carbothermally
reduced and nitrided to form silicon nitride powders. XRD results showed that the reaction product
was mainly α-Si3N4 and contained some β-Si3N4 and residual quartz. In order to reduce amount of
unreacted quartz, the raw materials mixture was grinded either with carbon black or with no carbon.
After CRN reactions of separate grinded quartz powders with carbon, residual quartz was
disappeared, reaction temperature was decreased and α-Si3N4 rate was increased. Hence, a better
mixing of carbon and fine silica enhanced the α phase formation. SEM images and XRD pattern
showed that sub micron particles (0.6–0.87m), high α-phase content Si3N4 powders can be
produced at 1450°C for 4 h in flowing nitrogen gas during the CRN process.
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