Degradation of Aluminum Nitride Powder in an Aqueous Environmet

The degradation of A1N powder in excess H₂O at room temperature for up to 24 h was investigated. Samples were characterized by various techniques (IR; XRD; SEM; XPS; C, H, N analysis; surface area, particle size, and weight change measurements). The reaction rate was found to be significant, with 80% of the A1N being consumed in 24 h. The initial reaction product was found to be a porous, amorphous, hydrated alumina with stoichiometry near AlOOH. After ∽16 h a crystalline phase, bayerite Al(OH)₃, was detected which became the predominant phase after 24-h contact. The kinetics of the A1N consumption were found to be first order and the reaction rate linear. The kinetic data fitted an unreacted core model with a porous product layer where the surface chemical reaction controlled the overall kinetics.