LAUSR

Abstract A novel route has been developed to synthesise Al 4 O 4 C nanorod/CNT composites by heat-treating Al 4 SiC 4 in a furnace with carbon heater. The study of growth mechanism indicates that the Al 4 O 4 C nanorods grew by a vapour–vapour–solid (VVS) growth process. Al vapour evaporated from the Al 4 SiC 4 at high temperatures and reacted with CO to form the Al 4 O 4 C nuclei. Subsequently, Al 4 O 4 C nanorods grew upon the continuous deposition of Al vapour and CO on the Al 4 O 4 C nuclei. Low P CO and appropriate temperature are two important factors in the growth of such composites. Holding at 1500 °C for 1 h was determined to be the optimal conditions for growth of Al 4 O 4 C nanorod/CNT composites.