The one-step pyrolysis process of rattan-based silicon carbide multiphase ceramics prepared by sol-gel method

The sol-gel method was used to prepare rattan-based silicon carbide (R-SiC) composite ceramics under different pyrolysis parameters through adjustment of the temperature and retention time of the one-step pyrolysis process. The crystalline phases, microscopic morphology, element distribution and specific surface area of the silicon carbide (SiC) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and N-2 physisorption. The results showed that the R-SiC prepared at different pyrolysis parameters was able to retain the porous structure of pristine rattan stem. The R-SiC prepared at 1500 celcius for 120 min possessed the lowest density (0.25 g/cm(3)), the largest specific surface area (43.38 m(2)/g) and the highest SiC yield (44.24%). The SiC whisker was the major SiC morphology on the cross section of the R-SiC. Furthermore, the pyrolysis parameters were optimized with the SiC preparation process reaction mechanism, and material transformation methods were also discussed. This one-step pyrolysis process simplified the preparation of biogenic SiC ceramics and thus provided a potential route for the value-added utilization of rattan.