Synthesis of grapite-sic microcomposite
and its effect on the mechanical strength of tempered magnesiacarbon
compacts

Abstract

The present study relates to the field of ceramic powders. Particularly, it relates to a process for producing the graphite - silicon carbide (SiC) micro-composite ceramic powders by carbo-thermal reduction. Silicon carbide is a ceramic material valued mainly for its high resistance to thermal stress and shock and its exceptional corrosion resistance in high temperature oxidizing environments. In this project work, in particular, an attempt has been made to synthesize a graphite-SiC micro-composite by carbo-thermal reduction process and its effects on mechanical properties of magnesia-carbon compacts. The graphite – SiC composite has been synthesized by in-situ formation of SiC on graphite through carbo-thermal reduction of graphite and microfine silica. Attempts have also been made to optimize different parameters for synthesis of the composites and the variation in mechanical properties of magnesia-carbon compacts with the addition of these composites.