Synthesis of SiC/Cu composite powders from polycarbosilane and cupric nitrate trihydrate

SiC/Cu composite powders with the barrier coating of SiC-Al onto SiC powders were synthesized from Al-containing polycarbosilane precursor and Cu-nitrate hydrate. Curing at 200°C and high temperature pyrolysis at 1600°C was used to achieve the crystallization of precursor, forming the SiC-Al coating on the surface of SiC powders. A core-shell structure with the core of SiC and the shell of Cu was constructed by calcination and hydrogen-reduction of Cu nitrate hydrate. XRD and SEM analysis revealed that the β-SiC and 4H-SiC phases were formed on the surface of the initial α-SiC powders. Also, it was observed by EDX mapping that core powders of SiC were homogeneously surrounded with the fine Cu particles on their surface.