α-Si3N4 and Si2N2O whiskers from rice husk and industrial rice husk ash

Abstract Rice industrialization worldwide generates significant amounts of rice husk as a by-product. When is burned to obtain energy, relatively common practice, substantial portion the turns into ash, and both constitute environmental liabilities. Using ash starting materials produce high-value products could help in mitigating impact while providing economic revenue. produced local cogeneration plant without any pretreatments were evaluated feasible sources for silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) oxynitride 2 O) whiskers by carbothermal reduction nitridation. held at temperatures between 1200 1400 °C h under flowing nitrogen. Increasing soaking temperature values led higher whisker development materials, with best results observed °C. Whereas α-silicon obtained when was employed, graphite surface-to-ash ratio dictated composition ash. Treatment value lower ratios, but this increased, predominated. had cross sections ranging from about 100 nm 1 µm width, whereas approx. 500 diameter. Both types be millimeter length range.