Recent advances and perspectives in carbon-based fillers reinforced Si₃N₄ composite for high power electronic devices

New advances in carbon-based fillers (CBFs) as reinforcing agents have gained worldwide attention due to their novel properties and promising applications to obtain advanced composite materials with superior electrical, mechanical and thermal performance. These CBFs (carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), graphene, graphene oxide, and graphite) are important for ceramic materials to make them more attractive for modern industry. These materials in the ceramic matrix can enhance various properties, such as mechanical, thermal, and electrical conductivity, as a sensor material for pressure and other environmental changes. This overview introduces the latest developments in the fabrication of Si₃N₄ ceramics and the effect of CBFs as well SiC and SiC_w on structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of Si₃N₄ ceramics for next-generation electronic power devices. Moreover, we summarized the key aspects such as the fabrication approaches, influence of additive composition and concentration, and sintering parameters on the microstructure and overall performance of Si₃N₄ ceramics. In particular, design strategies for scientists and engineers concerned about the manufacture of Si₃N₄ substrate and active regeneration for the first time are proposed and discussed extensively.