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Effect of surface modifications on the properties of silicon nitride ceramics

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5274985
; ;  [1]
  1. GTE Labs., Inc., Waltham, MA (United States)

The effect of surface oxygen concentration of silicon nitride powders on the properties of resulting ceramics was studied. A high purity silicon nitride powder was treated physically and chemically to modify its surface oxygen content. The resulting powders were hot-pressed into dense ceramics using 6 w/o yttria as sintering aid. Strength and oxidation resistance of these ceramics were measured and correlated with the powder and ceramic compositions as well as the resulting intergranular phases. Results show that the phases developed in yttria-containing silicon nitride ceramics vary with slight changes in the initial powder oxygen content, as predicted, and that strength can be correlated to initial oxygen concentration. The mechanical strength vs. oxygen content curve has a definite maximum, i.e., there is a small oxygen concentration range at which optimum ceramic strength is realized. Best results are obtained when the oxygen content is increased by thermal oxidation; other techniques, such as chemical oxidation or addition of silica, are not as effective, particularly in attaining high strength at elevated temperatures.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5274985
Report Number(s):
CONF-920448-5; ON: DE92013848
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English