Refractory metal silicide nanoparticle ceramics
AssigneeThe Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsTeddy M. Keller, Matthew Laskoski
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Abstract
Particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing or reacting into refractory-metal nanoparticles, elemental silicon, and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight are combined to form a precursor mixture. The mixture is heating, forming a thermoset and/or metal nanoparticles. Further heating form a composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal silicide and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder
Claims20
A composition comprising:
- nanoparticles comprising a refractory-metal silicide;
- and
- a carbonaceous matrix;
- wherein the composition is not in the form of a powder.
A composition comprising:
- a metal component selected from:
- nanoparticles or particles of a refractory metal;
- and
- a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles;
- elemental silicon;
- and
- an organic component selected from:
- an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight;
- and
- a thermoset made from the organic compound.
A method comprising:
- combining particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing or reacting into refractory-metal nanoparticles, elemental silicon, and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight to form a precursor mixture.
A method comprising:
- providing a precursor mixture of particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing into refractory-metal nanoparticles, elemental silicon, and an organic compound;
- heating the precursor mixture in an inert atmosphere at an elevated pressure at a temperature that causes decomposition of the refractory-metal compound to form refractory-metal nanoparticles to form a metal nanoparticle composition;
- and
- heating the metal nanoparticle composition in an inert atmosphere, argon, nitrogen, or vacuum at a temperature that causes formation of a ceramic comprising nanoparticles of a refractory-metal silicide in a carbonaceous matrix;
- wherein the organic compound has a char yield of at least 60% by weight when heated at the elevated pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.