The effect of seeding on microstructure development and mechanical properties of reaction-bonded silicon nitride was investigated by the use of β-Si3N4 particles. The seeding of an appropriate amount of β- Si3N4 particles gave rise to the promotion ...
The effect of seeding on microstructure development and mechanical properties of reaction-bonded silicon nitride was investigated by the use of β-Si3N4 particles. The seeding of an appropriate amount of β- Si3N4 particles gave rise to the promotion of density and the resulting increase of fracture strength and hardness. And also, fracture toughness increased due to the development of elongated grains. On the other hand, addition of large amount of seed particles showed lower strength and facture toughness owing to the coalescence of large elongated grains. By seeding of 2wt% β- Si3N4 particles on Si powders of 7 μm, high fracture strength of 1100MPa and fracture toughness of 7.2MPa·m½ were obtained in reaction-bonded silicon nitride ceramics.