Silicon Nitride-Based Composites with the Addition of CNTs—A Review of Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract

In this overview, the results published to date concerning the development, processing, microstructure characteristics, and properties of silicon nitride/carbon nanotube (Si3N4 + CNTs) composites are summarized. The influence of the different processing routes on the microstructure development of the Si3N4 + CNTs is discussed. The effects of the CNTs addition on the mechanical properties—hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness—and tribological characteristics—wear rate and coefficient of friction—are summarized. The characteristic defects, fracture origins, toughening and damage mechanisms occurring during the testing are described. The influence of the CNTs’ addition on the thermal and functional properties of the composites is discussed as well. New trends in the development of these composites with significant potential for future applications are outlined.

Influence of Isothermal Annealing on Microstructure, Morphology and Oxidation Behavior of AlTiSiN/TiSiN Nanocomposite Coatings

“…It is possible that some Ti in TiN was partially substituted by Si, as suggested by Barshilia et al [ 30 ]. However, a phase with a Si:N ratio of 1:1 does not exist in the Si-N system [ 31 ]. Only one intermetallic phase, namely Si 3 N 4 , is known in the Si-N system.…”

Diagnostics of Tuberculosis with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Field-Effect Transistors

“…Since 1998, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been utilized to create FETs, showcasing outstanding performance in biosensing owing to their unique physical properties. , With an averaged diameter of approximately 1 nm, SWCNTs are comparable in size to biomolecules. They also exhibit relatively low charge-carrier density and high intrinsic carrier mobility that are preferred in detecting electrostatic interactions and charge transfer during biological processes. , In contrast to other FET functional nanomaterials, such as graphene, silicon nitride, and silicon nanowires, SWCNTs with their extremely small diameter can reduce gate leakage and demonstrate high conductivity, biocompatibility, charge mobility, and stability. − Additionally, a variety of proteins have been reported to be attached onto the sidewalls of SWCNTs through noncovalent (e.g., π–π stacking or polymer wrapping) or covalent functionalization (e.g., fluorination of SWCNTs or protein coupling via carboxyl groups), making SWCNTs well-suited for biosensing. − Several researchers have fabricated SWCNT FET biosensors for medical applications, including the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens, cancer exosomal miRNA, and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, demonstrating LOD comparable to that of sophisticated methods like nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). − …”