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The effect of grain size on the toughness of sintered Si sub 3 N sub 4

Conference · · Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings; (USA)
OSTI ID:6977684

Three distinctive sintered Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} bodies were prepared and characterized on their toughness-controlling parameters. High strength sintered Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} bodies having K(IC) values of 6.5, 8.3, and 9.7 MN/m exp -3/2, respectively, were obtained by different chemistry, starting powders, and sintering conditions. The coarser microstructure body showed the tougher property. Grain size analysis results showed that beta-Si3N4 grain having a diameter larger than 1 micron affected results primarily by increased toughness. Crack propagation analysis showed the more frequently deflected and branched crack propagation gave the higher toughness. These results concluded that crack deflection and branching occurred preferably at the site of the beta-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} grain having larger than 1 micron diameter. Consequently K(IC) of the coarse grain sintered Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} was relatively higher than that of the fine grain one. 6 refs.

OSTI ID:
6977684
Report Number(s):
CONF-890130--
Journal Information:
Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings; (USA), Journal Name: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings; (USA) Vol. 10; ISSN 0196-6219; ISSN CESPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English