Preparation of β-SiC/Al2O3 composite from kaolinite gangue by carbothermal reduction

β-SiC/Al2O3 composite from kaolinite gangue and anthracite has been prepared by carbothermal reduction of kaolinite gangue at low cost. Carbon black and anthracite were chosen as the reducing agent. Phase evolution was studied in the temperature range 1500–1600 °C. XRD analysis shows that the relative intensity of Al2O3 and β-SiC increase at higher soaking temperature, soaking time and excess amount of carbon black or anthracite. The results also indicate that anthracite can replace the carbon black as the reductant to achieve the synthesis of β-SiC/Al2O3 composite using all materials from coal measures.