Synthesis and characterization of SiC and SiC/Si3N4 composite nano powders from waste material

► We succeeded to obtain nano SiC from rice husk ash at the lowest temperature 1500 °C which is considered as a very economic process. ► The simultaneous carbothermal reduction of rice husk ash could be greatly enhanced by high-energy ball milling prior to the pyrolysis. ► The particle sizes of the obtained nano SiC from ball milled rice husk ash were smaller than those prepared without milling. ► The optimum firing temperature to obtain well crystalline nano SiC was 1550 °C and the pyrolysis in vacuum was better than argon. ► The pyrolysis of rice husk ash in nitrogen atmosphere at 1550 °C led to formation of SiC/Si3N4 nanocomposite.