title: Synthesis of uniform α-Si3N4 nanospheres by RF induction thermal plasma and their application in high thermal conductive nanocomposites.
abstract: In this paper, single-crystalline α-Si3N4 nanospheres with uniform size of ∼50 nm are successfully synthesized by using a radio frequency (RF) thermal plasma system in a one-step and continuous way. All Si3N4 nanoparticles present nearly perfect spherical shape with a narrow size distribution, and the diameter is well-controlled by changing the feeding rate. Compact Si3N4/PR (PR = phenolic resin) composites with high thermal conductivity, excellent temperature stability, low dielectric loss tangent, and enhanced breakdown strength are obtained by incorporating the as-synthesized Si3N4 nanospheres. These enhanced properties are the results of good compatibility and strong interfacial adhesion between compact Si3N4 nanospheres and polymer matrix, as large amount of Si3N4 nanospheres can uniformly disperse in the polymer matrix and form thermal conductive networks for diffusion of heat flow.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Multi-Phase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongguancun Beiertiao 1 Hao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Guolin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Benli
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Mingshui
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Fangli
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yuan
keywords: (RF) thermal plasma; dielectric loss tangent; nanocomposites; silicon nitride (α-Si3N4) nanoparticles; thermal conductivity