Synthesis and thermal shock evaluation of porous SiC ceramic foams for solar thermal applications

Abstract

Reticulated porous ceramics with structural features spanning across multiple length scales are emerging as the primary media in a variety of demanding mass and heat transfer applications, most notably solar‐assisted synthetic fuel processing. In this study, we focus on engineering of the open pore silicon carbide (SiC)‐based foams in such catalytic applications. We evaluate the mechanical integrity and thermal stability of these porous structures. X‐ray tomography analyses of the 3D structures reveal the presence of dual pore size distribution different by up to an order of magnitude in length scale. We further study the effect of thermal shock—induced via water quenching—on the SiC structures and we conclude that the mechanical properties of the ceramic foams are significantly reduced after thermal stress. Comparison of SEM micrographs—before and after thermal shock—reveals that needle‐like features appear inside the foam matrix. These elongated defects may be responsible for structural and mechanical weakening.

Thermochemical CO2 splitting performance of perovskite coated porous ceramics

“…Silicon carbide based RPCs were manufactured in different physical properties through polymer sponge impregnation method which is detailed elsewhere. 37 In this method, a ceramic slurry containing commercial SiC powder (30 mm) and feldspar (65 mm) was prepared and impregnated in a polymer sponge template known as the green product. The RPC substrate was achieved aer sintering the green product at 1300 C. The RPCs were categorized into RPC-A, B and C from coarser to ner pore sizes.…”

Enhanced aging and thermal shock performance of Mn1.95−xCO0.21Ni0.84SrxO4 NTC ceramics

“…Recently, Yang and Liu [17] have investigated the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites under cyclic thermal shocks, demonstrating an increase in microcrack density under thermal shock. Parvanian et al [18] have characterized the pore structure of open-cell silicon carbide (SiC)-based foams and evaluated the mechanical performance before and after thermal shock testing. Liao et al [19] have synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-enhanced Si 2 BC 3 N ceramics by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and demonstrated improved thermal stress resistance due to the presence of MWCNTs.…”

Enhanced aging and thermal shock performance of Mn1.95-xCo0.21Ni0.84SrxO4 NTC ceramics

“…Recently Yang et al [17] have investigated the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites under cyclic thermal shocks, demonstrating an increase in microcracks density under thermal shock. Parvanian et al [18] have characterized the pore structure of open-cell silicon carbide (SiC)-based foams and evaluated the mechanical performance before and after thermal shock testing. Liao et al [19] have synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-enhanced Si 2 BC 3 N ceramics by spark plasma sintering and demonstrated improved thermal stress resistance due to the presence of MWCNTs.…”