Effect of an Iron Catalyst and Process Parameters on Si-Based Ceramic Materials Synthesized From Rice Husks

Silica and carbon are naturally occurring in rice husks (RH) and these were used for the production of ceramic materials made of Si, C, N and O as the main constituents. The various “silicon-based” ceramics were produced from the thermal decomposition of rice husks and posterior heat treatment at temperatures varying from 1200–1450 °C under a pure nitrogen atmosphere. FeSO4 in various concentrations was introduced to the decomposed rice husk prior to the heat treatment. The formation of various Si/C/N/O ceramics in general and silicon nitride in particular, were studied with respect to the concentration of FeSO4 (4–10%) as well as temperature (1200–1450 °C). The formation of different phases were confirmed by XRD and FT-IR analysis. Morphology and surface properties of the products have been studied using SEM. The maximization of whiskers of the ceramic products was also studied through microstructural analysis. Elemental analysis of the whiskers product was analyzed through EDX. The chemical analysis of raw rice husk was also carried out.