Synthesis and characterisation of a submicrometre silicon carbide powder

Abstract
A beta‐silicon carbide powder with a surface area of 30m2g−l and a mean particle size of < 1μm was produced from the thermal conversion of silicon resin in an atmosphere of hydrogen. The amount of product increased with increasing iron content (0–2.1 wt%) and firing temperature (1200–1500°C). Chemical analysis, X‐ray diffraction and i.r. absorption spectrometry were used to follow the conversion reaction.