Microstructural evolution R-alpha-SiAlON ceramics (R=Y, Y+Sm and Sm)

Abstract

Yttrium or samarium doped alpha-SiAlON composition was sintered using gas pressure sintering through two different sintering procedures. One group of samples was heated up to 1800degreesC and then held for 1 h while another group of samples was held at a 1600degreesC for 1 hr before sintered at 1800degreesC for 1 h. Microstructural characterization of the two stage sintered materials revealed the presence of elongated alpha-SiAlON form related with the type of additive cations.