In this research, the effect of milling time and carbon sources was investigated on the beta-SiC nanofiber formation via the carbothermal process. Carbon black and petroleum coke were used as carbon sources. They were mixed with microsilica separately; milled for different periods of time and fired at 1450 degrees C. Phase formation and microstructure of samples were studied using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicated that milling process for 5 h appreciably contributes to the formation of beta-SiC phase. Moreover, it was revealed that the carbon black leads to formation of fiber-like SiC nonaparticles.

Keywords: Carbothermal; Mechanical alloying; SiC; Nano-fiber