Effects of different Si3N4 starting powders and sintering conditions on the grain morphology and mechanical properties of alpha-SiAlON ceramics

Nitrogen rich yttrium-cerium containing multi-cation alpha-SiAlON starting compositions have been prepared by gas pressure sintering using "conventional" alpha-Si3N4 or alpha-beta Si3N4 containing powder. The effect of nucleation by applying different sintering cycles and the effect of different Si3N4 starting powders on the grain morphology of alpha-SiAlON ceramics and mechanical properties is investigated. (Author)