A novel SiC nanowire aerogel consisted of ultra long SiC nanowires

SiC nanowire aerogel (SNA) with highly porous 3D nanowire architecture was synthesized by polymer pyrolysis chemical vapor deposition (PPCVD) process to deposit SiC nanowires in the pores of carbon foam, followed by high temperature oxidation of carbon foam. The microstructure of the prepared SNA was characterized by SEM, TEM and a large number of interweaving SiC nanowires with a diameter of 80–100 nm and a length of hundreds of micrometers form the highly porous 3D nanowire architecture of SNA. The prepared SNA possesses the performance combination of ultra-low density (30 ± 7 mg cm−3), high-temperature oxidation resistance (750 °C), noncombustible and fire resistance property in the fire, excellent thermal insulating property (0.03 W m−1 k−1 at room temperature in He) and compressive strength of 0.11 MPa, which is applicable as high-temperature heat insulator, ceramic matrix composite, high temperature flue gas filter, fire-proofing material and catalyst carrier.