Centrifugation of Nanometric Silicon Carbide Powder for Granulometric Classification

Abstract

In this study, researchers focused on improving the quality of SiC particles, considering their different sizes and shapes. To ensure a high-quality end product, the particles were separated into distinct granulometric fractions, with a focus on the nanometer range. The efficiency of this classification process played a crucial role in determining the quality of the final product. SiC holds significant market value, reaching US$3.3 billion in 2022. Brazil stands as one of the main producers of raw SiC, but it still relies on imports for finer granulometries needed in various industrial applications. The main objective of the research was to develop a highly efficient technique for the nanometric fractionation of silicon carbide powders. After conducting experiments, the researchers successfully obtained SiC with a diameter below 2 μm. To achieve this, multiple chemical dispersants were explored for the centrifugation process, aiming to disaggregate the solution and improve the overall yield, with sodium carbonate emerging as the most promising among the tested dispersants. By presenting these findings, the researchers contribute to advancing SiC production and its applications, especially in industries that require nanometer-sized SiC particles. The study not only enhances the quality of the final product but also reduces the country's dependence on imported carbide for industrial purposes.