Effects of different Si3N4 starting powders and sintering conditions on the grain morphology and mechanical properties of alpha-SiAlON ceramics

Abstract

Nitrogen rich yttrium-cerium containing multi-cation alpha -SiAlON starting compositions have been prepared by gas pressure sintering using "conventional" alpha -Si3N4 or alpha-beta Si3N4 containing powder. The effect of nucleation by applying different sintering cycles and effect of different Si3N4 starting powders on the grain morphology of alpha -SiAlON ceramics and mechanical properties is investigated.