Nitridation of metallic Silicon
Nitridation of metallic silicon is a common method of making silicon nitride powder. In this method the silicon is heated in a special furnace at a temperature of about 1300 to 1500.C in a nitrogen or ammonia atmosphere. Iron is used as a catalyst in this process to accelerate the formation of beta silicon nitride in place of alpha form.
In the next stage the formed silicon nitride crystals are pulverized to get the final powder. In this process iron contamination takes place and hence a suitable magnetic system has to be provided.
To be contd…………..
