Oxidation behavior of hot-pressed Si3N4 with Re2O3 (Re=Y, Yb, Er, La)

Four different β-Si₃N₄ ceramics with silicon oxynitrides [Y₁₀(SiO₄)₆N₂, Yb₄Si₂N₂O₇, Er₂Si₃N₄O₃, and La₁₀(SiO₄)₆N₂, respectively] as secondary phases have been fabricated by hot-pressing the Si₃N₄–Re₄Si₂N₂O₇ (Re=Y, Yb, Er, and La) compositions at 1820°C for 2 h under a pressure of 25 MPa. The oxidation behavior of the hot-pressed ceramics was characterized and compared with that of the ceramics fabricated from Si₃N₄–Re₂Si₂O₇ compositions. All Si₃N₄ ceramics investigated herein showed a parabolic weight gain with oxidation time at 1400°C and the oxidation products of the ceramics were SiO₂ and Re₂Si₂O₇. The Si₃N₄–Re₄Si₂N₂O₇ compositions showed inferior oxidation resistance to those from Si₃N₄–Re₂Si₂O₇ compositions, owing to the incompatibility of the secondary phases of those ceramics with SiO₂, the oxidation product of Si₃N₄. Si₃N₄ ceramics from a Si₃N₄–Er₄Si ₂N₂O₇ composition showed the best oxidation resistance of 0·198 mg cm⁻² after oxidation at 1400°C for 192 h in air among the compositions investigated herein.     

Carbon reduction reaction in the Y2O3–SiO2 glass system at high temperature

In order to assess the role of carbon with respect to the grain boundary chemistry of Si₃N₄-based ceramics model experiments were performed. Y₂O₃–SiO₂ glass systems with various amount of carbon (from 1 to 30 wt.%) were prepared by high-temperature treatment in a graphite furnace. High carbon activity of the furnace atmosphere was observed. EDX analysis proved the formation of SiC by the carbothermal reduction of SiO₂ either in the melt or in the solid state. The melting temperature of the Y₂O₃–SiO₂ system is strongly dependent on the amount of reduced SiO₂. XRD analysis of the products documented the presence of Y₂Si₂O₇, Y₂SiO₅ and Y₂O₃ crystalline phases in that order with an increasing amount of free C in the starting mixture. The reduction of Y₂O₃ was not confirmed.     

Combustion synthesis of Si3N4–TiN composite powders

Si₃N₄–TiN composite powders have been prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Y₂O₃ plays a dominant role on the formation of rod-like Si₃N₄ whiskers. Full nitridation occurred of the Si–Ti mixtures. In the SHS process, TiN formation preceeds that of Si₃N₄. The formation of TiN inhibits the grain growth of rod-like Si₃N₄ crystals. Meanwhile some solid solutions between Si₃N₄ and TiN have formed.     

Densification and phase transformation of Si3N4 in the presence of mechanically activated BaCO3–Al2O3–SiO2 mixture

Densification as well as the →β phase transformation of Si₃N₄ were monitored as a function of activation time of the BaCO₃–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ additive mixture. The composition of the ternary mixture corresponded to celsian (BaAl₂Si₂O₈—BAS). Previously, mechanically activated powder mixtures for various lengths of time were added to Si₃N₄ in the amount of 10–30%. Sintering was performed at 1650–1700°C in nitrogen atmosphere up to 8 h. The changes in densification degree, as well as phase composition, were followed as a function of heating time and the time of mechanical activation of the additive mixture. The results obtained showed that mechanical activation retarded densification in samples heated up to 1700°C. On the other hand, for the constant sintering time, →β transformation of Si₃N₄ was enhanced with increasing activation time, and the amount of additives.     

Sintering of Si3N4 with liquid in the system Ce2O3---AIN---SiO2

Liquid phase sintering of Si₃N₄ with melts from the system Ce₂O₃---AIN---SiO₂ has been studied. The glass forming region in this system and the reaction products formed during sintering at 1750–1800°C were analysed. Sintering of Si₃N₄ with two melt compositions selected from outside the glass forming region yields fully dense Si₃N₄. Post sintering treatment at 1300°C resulted in devitrification with consequent improvement of high temperature mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of Si₃N₄ sintered with liquids in the system Ce₂O₃---AIN---SiO₂ were found to be inferior to those of liquids selected from Y₂O₃---AIN---SiO₂, but superior to those selected from the system MgO---AIN---SiO₂.     

Development of Al2O3–SiC composite tool for machining application

Al₂O₃–SiC composites containing up to 30 wt.% of dispersed SiC particles (280 nm) were fabricated via hot-pressing and machined as cutting tools. The Al₂O₃–SiC particulate composites exhibit higher hardness than their unreinforced matrix because of the inhibited grain growth by adding SiC and the presence of hard secondary phase (SiC). The fracture toughness of the composites remains constant up to 10 wt.% loading of SiC. For machining heat-treated AISI 4144140 steel, the Al₂O₃–10 wt.% SiC composite tool showed the longest tool life, seven times longer than a commercial tool made of Al₂O₃–TiC composite, while the composite tool with 5 wt.% SiC showed the longest tool life for machining gray cast iron. The improved performance of the Al₂O₃–SiC composite tools attributes to the transformation of fracture mode from intergranular fracture for Al₂O₃ to intragranular fracture for Al₂O₃–SiC composites.     

Hot isostatic pressing of SiC/Si3N4 composite with rare earth oxide additions

SiC/Si₃N₄ composites with rare earth oxide additions have been prepared by glass encapsulated hot isostatic pressing at 1850 °C and 200 MPa pressure. Mechanical properties and microstructures of the sintered samples have been studied. It is shown that different molar ratios of La₂O₃ to Y₂O₃ and the total amount of La₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ additions can affect the mechanical properties significantly. With 3 wt% La₂O₃ + Y₂O₃ additions, lower La₂O₃/Y₂O₃ molar ratio exhibits higher bending strength and median fracture toughness, but relatively lower Vickers hardness. For addition of 6 wt% La₂O₃ + Y₂O₃, the higher bending strength, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness correspond to a certain La₂O₃/Y₂O₃ molar ratio of 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5, respectively. SEM observation shows that the SiC matrix composite with fine grain size and homogeneous microstructure can be obtained.     

Effect of atmosphere on the reaction sintering of Si2N2O

The reaction sintering of Si₂N₂O from an equimolar mixture of Si₃N₄ and SiO₂ with 5 wt% Al₂O₃ addition was investigated in 98 or 980 kPa N₂ at 1600–1850°C. At the initial stage, Si₃N₄ densification occurred through a liquid phase of SiO₂---Al₂O₃ system. Further densification was observed together with the formation and exaggerated grain growth of Si₂N₂O. High N₂ pressure was useful for the prevention of thermal decomposition of Si₂N₂O and bloating of the compact. Among various packing powders, which have various SiO partial pressures, an equimolar mixture of Si₃N₂O and SiO₂ was the most effective for the densification. The effect of N₂ and packing powder on reaction sintering of Si₂N₂O was discussed in relation to observed kinetics and thermodynamic calculations. Bending strength of sintered materials was 310–320 MPa.     

Yb2O3 and Y2O3 co-doped zirconia ceramics

A suspension stabilizer-coating technique was employed to prepare x mol% Yb₂O₃ (x = 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0) and 1.0 mol% Y₂O₃ co-doped ZrO₂ powder. A systematic study was conducted on the sintering behaviour, phase assemblage, microstructural development and mechanical properties of Yb₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ co-doped zirconia ceramics. Fully dense ZrO₂ ceramics were obtained by means of pressureless sintering in air for 1 h at 1450 °C. The phase composition of the ceramics could be controlled by tuning the Yb₂O₃ content and the sintering parameters. Polycrystalline tetragonal ZrO₂ (TZP) and fully stabilised cubic ZrO₂ (FSZ) were achieved in the 1.0 mol% Y₂O₃ stabilised ceramic, co-doped with 1.0 mol% Yb₂O₃ and 4.0 mol% Yb₂O₃, respectively. The amount of stabilizer needed to form cubic ZrO₂ phase in the Yb₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ co-doped ZrO₂ ceramics was lower than that of single phase Y₂O₃-doped materials. The indentation fracture toughness could be tailored up to 8.5 MPa m^1/2 in combination with a hardness of 12 GPa by sintering a 1.0 mol% Yb₂O₃ and 1.0 mol% Y₂O₃ ceramic at 1450 °C for 1 h.     

Development, characterization and oxidation behaviour of Si3N4---Al2O3 ceramics

Five Si₃N₄---Al₂O₃ ceramic grades were prepared by hot pressing at 1650°C. Backscattered electron micrographs revealed four different phases. Quantitative electron probe microanalysis allowed the identification of these phases as X-sialon, -Al₂O₃, O'-sialon and β-sialon. The maximum solubility of Al₂O₃ in Si₃N₄ and in Si₂N₂O at 1650°C was determined as well as the chemical composition of X-sialon. Based on these results, a slightly revised phase diagram is proposed. The general features describing the microstructure of the various phases have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The influence of the various phases on the mechanical properties was investigated; hardness, fracture toughness and elastic modulus were measured. The oxidation behaviour has been studied in air at 1300°C and 1450°C. The metastable phase diagram of Al₂O₃---SiO₂ in the absence of mullite can be used to predict the oxidation products and relative amounts formed in the oxide layers.     

High oxidation resistance of hot pressed silicon nitride containing yttria and lanthania

Oxidation tests were carried out on Si₃N₄–La₂O₃–Y₂O₃ hot pressed ceramics up to 1500°C. Morphological and analytical characterizations were performed on surfaces and reaction scales after oxidation and correlated with the oxidation kinetics. (Near)-parabolic behaviour was observed at temperatures <1450°C for short periods, while for higher temperatures and longer exposures the kinetics shifted to a linear behaviour. Moreover the excellent oxidation resistance (as demonstrated by extremely low weight gains), particularly up to 1450°C, was related to the high refractoriness of the grain boundary phases in this additive system. Strength degradation after oxidation at several temperatures was also studied and discussed.     

The effect of TiN and TiC dispersoids on the high-temperature deformation mechanisms of Si3N4

The compression creep properties of pressureless sintered Si₃N₄ matrix, Si₄N₄−(TiN + TiC) and Si₃N₄−N composites, and of a hot pressed Si₃N₄−TiC composite were studied in air between 1260 and 1340°C. Creep characteristics have been compared in relation to microstructure. The addition of soft TiC particles resulted in better mechanical strength, particularly in the creep ductility. The deformation of Si₃N₄---TiC, dominated by a more refractory vitreous phase, was slower than for the other composites. Further, based on a comparison of creep parameters obtained experimentally in this work and on the nature of dispersoids, deformation mechanisms are proposed.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of gas pressure sintered Al2O3/TiCN composite

Al₂O₃–30 wt.%TiCN composites have been fabricated successfully by a two-stage gas pressure sintering schedule. The gas pressure sintered Al₂O₃–30 wt.%TiCN composite achieved a relative density of 99.5%, a bending strength of 772 MPa, a hardness of 19.6 GPa, and a fracture toughness of 5.82 MPa m^1/2. The fabrication procedure involves solid state sintering of two phases without solubility to prepare Al₂O₃–TiCN composite. Little grain growth occurred for TiCN during sintering while Al₂O₃ grains grew about three times to an average size of 3–5 μm. The interface microstress arising during cooling from the processing temperature because of the thermal and/or mechanical properties mismatch between the Al₂O₃ and TiCN phase is about 50 MPa. Such a compressive microstress is not high enough to cause grain boundary cracking that may weaken the composite but it can introduce dislocations within grains, which is very good to enhance the composite properties.     

Gas pressure sintering of Al2O3/TiCN composite

Al₂O₃/TiCN composites have been fabricated by gas pressure sintering, which overcomes the limitations of hot pressing. The densification behavior and mechanical properties of the Al₂O₃ gas pressure sintered with 30 wt.% TiCN at different temperatures have been investigated. The gas pressure sintered Al₂O₃–30 wt.%TiCN composite achieved a relative density of 99.5%, a bending strength of 772 MPa, a hardness of 19.6 GPa, and a fracture toughness of 5.82 MPa·M^1/2.     

Y2O3对高热导率Si3N4陶瓷显微结构和性能的影响

以氧含量相对较高的“平价”Si₃N₄粉体(氧含量1.85%(质量分数))为原料,Y₂O₃-MgO作为烧结助剂,制备低成本高热导率Si₃N₄陶瓷,研究Y₂O₃含量对Si₃N₄陶瓷致密化、显微结构、力学性能及热导率的影响。结果表明,适当增加Y₂O₃的加入量不仅可以促进Si₃N₄陶瓷的致密化和显微结构的细化,还有助于晶格氧含量的降低和热导率的提升。Y₂O₃含量为7%(质量分数)的样品在1 900 ℃烧结后的综合性能最佳,其相对密度、抗弯强度、断裂韧性和热导率分别为99.5%、(726±46) MPa、(6.9±0.2) MPa·m^1/2和95 W·m^-1·K^-1。     

Processing of hot pressed Al2O3–Cr2O3/Cr-carbide nanocomposite prepared by MOCVD in fluidized bed

Nanosized particles dispersed uniformly on Al₂O₃ particles were prepared from the decomposition of precursor Cr(CO)₆ by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in a fluidized chamber. These nanosized particles consisted of Cr₂O₃, CrC_1−x, and C. A solid solution of Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ and an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr₃C₂ nanocomposite were formed when these fluidized powders were pre-sintered at 1000 and 1150 °C before hot-pressing at 1400 °C, respectively. In addition, an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr-carbide (Cr₃C₂ and Cr₇C₃) nanocomposite was formed when the particles were directly hot pressed at 1400 °C. The interface between Cr₃C₂ and Al₂O₃ is non-coherent, while the interface between Cr₇C₃ and Al₂O₃ is semi-coherent.     

ß-sialon ceramics with TiN particle inclusions

Fully dense composites of 0–30 wt% discrete TiN particles distributed in a ß-sialon matrix of overall composition Si_5·5Al_0·5O_0·5N_7·5 have been prepared by hot isostatic pressing at 1650 and 1750°C. Pressureless sintering at 1775°C gave materials with an open porosity. Typical sizes of the TiN particles were 1–3 μm, and no intergranular glassy phase was observed in the prepared materials. The grain size of ß-sialon was below 1 μm in the materials HIPed at 1650°C, and 1–2 μm at 1750°C. The Vickers hardness was fairly constant for the TiN-ß-sialon composites with up to 15 wt% TiN added: H_v10 around 17·5 GPa for materials HIPed at 1650° and around 17 GPa at 1750°C, whereas at higher TiN contents the hardness decreased to around 16 GPa. The indentation fracture toughness of the ß-sialon ceramic increased approximatively from 3 to 4 MPam^1/2 at an addition of 15 wt% TiN particulates. The fracture toughness could be further increased to 5 MPam^1/2 by addition of small amounts of Y₂O₃ and A1N to a ß-sialon composite with 30 wt% TiN.     

Effect of sintering additives on microstructures and mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber-reinforced SiC composites prepared by precursor pyrolysis–hot pressing

Short-carbon-fiber-reinforced SiC composites were prepared by precursor pyrolysis–hot pressing with MgO–Al₂O₃–Y₂O₃ as sintering additives. The effects of the amount of sintering additives on microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the composites could be densified at a relatively low temperature of 1800 °C via the liquid-phase sintering mechanism and the composite density and mechanical properties improved with the amount of additives. The amorphous interphase in the composites with more additive content, not only avoided the direct contact of the fibers with matrix, but also improved the fiber–matrix bonding. It proved that the fiber–matrix interphase characteristics played a key role in controlling mechanical properties of the composites.     

Design of 7 wt.% Y2O3–ZrO2/mullite plasma-sprayed composite coatings for increased creep resistance

Plasma-sprayed stand-alone coatings of 7 wt.% Y₂O₃–ZrO₂ (YSZ), nominally 74 wt.% Al₂O₃–26 wt.% SiO₂ mullite, and a 46:54 volume ratio composite of YSZ to mullite were examined using X-ray diffraction, dilatometry, and compression creep. X-ray diffraction and dilatometer results showed that the as-sprayed predominantly amorphous mullite crystallized at 970 °C. Creep tests were conducted on all three coating types in the as-sprayed condition at stresses from 40 to 80 MPa and temperatures of 1000–1200 °C. The primary deformation mechanism in coatings made from all three materials was stress-assisted densification of the porous coating. While the creep behavior of YSZ/mullite composite specimens was between that of pure YSZ and pure mullite specimens for all combinations of temperature and stress tested, the creep response of the composite was more similar to that of pure mullite for all cases tested, consistent with mullite being the continuous phase in the composite.