Preparation of zirconium pyrophosphate bonded silicon nitride porous ceramics

Abstract

A new method for preparing high bending strength porous silicon nitride ceramics with controlled porosity was developed using a pressureless sintering technique, using zirconium pyrophosphate as a binder. The fabrication process was described in detail and the sintering mechanism of porous ceramics was analysed by an X-ray diffraction method. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the porous Si₃N₄ ceramics were investigated, as a function of the content of ZrP₂O₇. The resultant porous silicon nitride ceramics sintered at low temperature (1000 and 1100°C) showed fine micropore structure and a high bending strength. Porous silicon nitride ceramics with porosity of 34–47%, a bending strength of 40–114 MPa and a Young's modulus of 20–50 GPa were obtained.