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The silicon nitride ceramics are usually known as strongly refractory and enduring materials and have typical electrically insulating properties. If the reinforcing phase of ceramic composite (that is mainly put in the material to improve mechanical properties) is a good electrical conductor, it is worth to investigate the composite in electrical aspect. In this work carbon nanotubes, black-carbon and graphite were added to the basic silicon nitride ceramic and the electrical conductivity of the prepared carbon-ceramic composites was determined. The conductivity of the ceramic composites with different type and concentration of the carbon additives was observed by applying four point DC resistance measurements. Insulator and conductor composites in a wide conductivity range can be produced depending on the type and quantity of the additives. The additive types as well as the sintering parameters have influence on the basic electrical properties of the conductor composites.

The Si3N4 ceramics are usually known as strongly refractory and enduring materials and they have typical insulating material properties on room temperature. If reinforcing phase of the Si3N4 matrix composite is a good electrical conductor, in that case it is worth to investigate the composite in electrical aspect. In our case carbon nanotubes, black-carbon and graphite with good electrical conductivity were mixed in the base ceramic. During our electrical investigations DC resistivity measurements were used to determine the percolation threshold and the conductivity of the composites. In case of high resistance samples AC impedance spectroscopy was applied. As result of the impedance spectroscopy capacitive properties were found. In some cases of conductor samples combined mechanical – electrical measurements were done to study the integrity of the additions in the matrix.

This work is focusing on exploring preparing processes to tailor the microstructure of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced silicon nitride-based ceramic composites. Samples with different porosity’s and different amount (1, 3 or 5 wt%) of carbon nanotubes have been prepared by using gas pressure sintering or hot isostatic pressing. In comparison, composites with 1wt%, 5wt% or 10wt% carbon black and graphite have been manufactured. We measured the room temperature mechanical and electrical properties, examined the micro and nano structure by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. It was found that it is possible to develop CNT-silicon nitride composite for applications where a decent electric conductivity and good mechanical properties are required.