The effects of β-Si3N4 on the formation and oxidation of β-SiAlON

The influence of the additive β-Si on the formation and oxidation of Si Al during the sintering of Al, Si, and Al powders under flowing nitrogen atmosphere was examined. An increasing molar percentage of β-Si was shown to alter the morphology of Si Al from a fiber-like to a rod-like structure and also shortened the time needed to form a dense, continuous oxide layer, which served as a barrier to the diffusion of O An optimal molar percentage of β-Si of 29.9 mol% was discovered, at which the grain growth was enhanced, and the surface area was, in turn, reduced, yielding superior resistance to oxidation. Our results provided a theoretical basis for the formation of β-SiAlON and demonstrated the potential of its use in high-temperature oxidizing environments.