In situ synthesis and phase analysis of low density O＇-sialon-based multiphase ceramics

In situ formed low density O'-sialon-based multiphase ceramics were prepared by liquid-phase sintering method at 1400°C with Si3N4, SiO2 and Al2O3 as raw materials.Crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction(XRD).The quantitative phase analysis was finished by matrix-flushing method and the substitution parameter x value of O'-sialon was estimated.The effects of sintering additives on the phase composition of the material were studied.The results show that, when using Y2O3 alone, Al6Si2O13 phase can be formed in the material, but when using Y2O3 and MgO, MgAl2O4 phase can be preferentially formed and the Al6Si2O13 is not observed.The mechanical properties of the material were measured and the relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties were discussed.The sample with Y2O3 and MgO sintering additives, using fused quartz alone as SiO2 source, displays a combination of high bending strength(163 MPa) and good fracture toughness(3.11 MPa·m1/2).Bending strength and fracture toughness of the samples increase with the increase of the content and aspect ratio of elongated grains and decrease with the increase of the porosity.