Densification and microstructure of Si3N4-TiN ceramic composites

Abstract

Silicon nitride is a ceramic material widely used in various structural applications at high temperatures owing to its excellent combination of mechanical and thermal properties. To increase the application of Si3N4, many researches have been developed to improve its fracture toughness and processing conditions. In this study, the sintering and microstructure of Si3N4-TiN composites, containing Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids, were studied. Samples were obtained by the conventional method of mixing powders and sintered at 1750 ºC/1 h and 1815 ºC/1 h under nitrogen atmosphere. Density values of the samples were determined by the Archimedes method, reaching values between 96.9% and 98.0% of theoretical density, with a porosity of less than 0.5%. The sintered samples were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the materials reached high fracture toughness, low hardness and a microstructure with TiN grains dispersed in a β-Si3N4 matrix containing an amorphous intergranular phase.