Effects of Co₂O₃ Addition on Microstructure and Properties of SiC Composite Ceramics for Solar Absorber and Storage

Abstract

SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration are new concentrating solar power materials. SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration were fabricated using SiC, black corundum and kaolin as the raw materials, Co₂O₃ as the additive via pressureless graphite-buried sintering method in this study. Influences of Co₂O₃ on the microstructure and properties of SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration were studied. The results indicate that sample D2 (5wt% Co₂O₃) sintered at 1 480 °C exhibits optimal performances for 119.91 MPa bending strength, 93% solar absorption, 981.5 kJ/kg (25–800 °C) thermal storage density. The weight gain ratio is 12.58 mg/cm² after 100 h oxidation at 1 000 °C. The Co₂O₃ can decrease the liquid phase formation temperature and reduce the viscosity of liquid phase during sintering. The liquid with low viscosity not only promotes the elimination of pores to achieve densification, but also increases bending strength, solar absorption, thermal storage density and oxidation resistance. A dense SiO₂ layer was formed on the surface of SiC after 100 h oxidation at 1 000 °C, which protects the sample from further oxidation. However, excessive Co₂O₃ will make the microstructure loose, which is disadvantageous to the performances of samples.

Keywords

SiC composite ceramics / Co₂O₃ / microstructure / solar absorption / thermal storage density

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