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Microstructure of Spark Plasma-Sintered Silicon Nitride Ceramics
O A Lukianova1, V Yu Novikov1, A A Parkhomenko2
1Belgorod National Research University, 85, Pobedy Str., 308015, Belgorod, Russia.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|April 28, 2017
Summary
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) of silicon nitride with Al2O3-Y2O3 doping yielded dense ceramics. Optimized SPS conditions produced silicon nitride with high hardness and elastic modulus, suitable for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Ceramic Engineering
Background:
- Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a high-performance ceramic.
- Doping with Al2O3 and Y2O3 can enhance Si3N4 properties.
- Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is an advanced consolidation technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the microstructure and phase composition of Al2O3-Y2O3-doped Si3N4.
- Determine the effect of SPS temperature on Si3N4 properties.
- Optimize SPS parameters for enhanced mechanical performance.
Main Methods:
- Spark plasma sintering (SPS) of Si3N4 with Al2O3-Y2O3 doping.
- Microstructural analysis using electron microscopy.
- Phase composition determination using X-ray diffraction.
- Mechanical property testing (hardness, elastic modulus).
Main Results:
- Fully dense Si3N4 ceramics achieved at 1550 °C with α-Si3N4 equiaxed grains (200-530 nm).
- High elastic modulus (288 GPa) and hardness (2038 HV) for ceramics sintered at 1550 °C.
- Si3N4 sintered at 1650 °C exhibited elongated β-Si3N4 grains, hardness of 1800 HV, density of 3.25 g/cm³, and Young's modulus of 300 GPa.
Conclusions:
- SPS is effective for densifying Al2O3-Y2O3-doped Si3N4.
- Sintering temperature significantly influences Si3N4 microstructure and properties.
- Optimized SPS processing can yield Si3N4 ceramics with superior mechanical characteristics.
