Effect of Tetramethyl Ammonium Hydroxide on Dispersion of the Silicon Carbide Submicron Powders

The distributed processing of β-SiC submicron powders were carried out by tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The effects of dispersant on the dispersion stability of the β-SiC powders were investigated by the particle size, flow characteristics, morphology and other physical properties of the powder before and after dispersed treatment. The results show that the best dispersing state of SiC is obtained by using the ultrasonic 7mins. In these conditions, the suspension solid content of β-SiC is 8%, and the dosage of TMAH is 8wt.%. An optimum amount of TMAH is proved as 8wt.% when the solid content is kept as 8wt.%. The powder particle size has been reduced from 0.73μm to 0.45μm, and its flowability has improved significantly after low temperature drying. The dispersed powder has small particle size, uniform distribution and excellent dispersion stability.