Silicon nitride-silicon carbide composite materials

Starting from different Si 3N 4 matrices, submicrometric 20 vol. % SiC particle-reinforced Si 3N 4 composites were obtained by hot-pressing and pressureless sintering. Using the Ray and Bordia model, the sintering behaviour of the Si 3N 4 matrices during hot-pressing was found to be influenced by the presence of the second-phase particles. Mechanical properties of the matrices and composites were demonstrated to be strongly dependent upon grain size, sintering aid amount, densification route and particle reinforcement.