Effect of Nano-Al2O3 on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Si3N4 Ceramics

Si3N4ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering at 1 650 ℃ in nitrogen atmosphere using Si3N4powder as main starting material and adding nanoAl2O3powder( 3%,6%,9%,12%,and 15% in mass,the same hereinafter). The bending strength and fracture toughness( KIC) of the specimens were detected.The microstructure and phase compositions of the specimens were analyzed. The results show that Si3N4ceramics can be prepared by pressureless sintering when adding9%- 12% nano-Al2O3as active reactant,which dissolves in Si3N4,in-situ forming non-oxide SiAlON. The obtained Si3N4ceramics have the maximum bending strength of 710. 86 MPa and KICof 8. 61 MPa·m1 /2.The excellent properties come from many interwoven structures distributed uniformly in the ceramics matrix,which is composed of big and firm plate-like β-Si3N4,hexagonal SiAlON and sheet Si2N2O.