Abstract
A low cost, high fracture toughness silicon nitride material can be obtained through the in-situ growth of whisker-like elongated grains. This ability to form a reinforced material in-situ during densification avoids the processing difficulties and potential health hazards generally associated with whisker reinforced ceramic composites. The in-situ growth of elongated silicon nitride grains is controlled by the glass phase chemistry and processing conditions. A new class of self-reinforced silicon nitride materials have been developed based upon the Si3N4-Y2O3-MgO-CaO system, where yttrium can be replaced by seven other elements, magnesium can be replaced by six other elements and calcium with 19 other elements. These compositions have been found to yield fine grained, high aspect ratio silicon nitride ceramics with a unique combination of high flexure strength and fracture toughness.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Drew P., Lewis M.H., The microstructures of silicon nitride ceramics during hot pressing transformations, J Mat Sci., 1974, 9, pp. 261–69.
Lange F.F., Fracture toughness of Si3N4 as a function of the initial α-phase content, J. Amer. Ceram. Soc, 1979, 62, pp. 428–30.
Wotting G., Kanka B.,and Ziegler G., Microstructural development, microstructural characterization and relation to mechanical properties of dense silicon nitride. In Non-Oxide Technical and Engineering Ceramics, ed. S. Hampshire, Elsevier, London, 1986, pp. 83–96.
Selkregg K.R, More K.L., Seshadri S.G.,and McMurty C.H., Microstructural characterization of silicon nitride ceramics processed by pressureless sintering, overpressure sintering, and sinter hip, Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc. 1990, 11, 7-8, pp. 603–15.
Lee RR, Nowich B.E., Franks G., Quellette D., Milford M.A., Ferber M.K., Hubbard C.R, and More K., Duophase sialon for ceramic engine component application, presented at the 93rd American Ceram. Soc. Mtg., Cincinnati, OH, April 29, 1991.
Quinn G. D. and Braue W.R., Secondary phase devitrification effects upon the static fatigue resistance of sintered silicon nitride, Ceram Eng. Proc, 1990, 11, 7-8, pp. 616–632.
Shang-Xian, Wu, Compliance and stress-intensity factor of chevron-notched three-point bend specimen, Chevorn-Notched Specimens’ Testine-and Stress Analysis ASTM STP 855, ed. S. W. Frieman and F. I. Baratta, ASTM, Philadelphia, 1984, pp.177–192.
Pyzik J.A, Beaman D.R., Self-reinforced silicon nitride, J Amer Ceram Soc, to be published.
Pyzik A.J., Dubensky W.J., Schwarz D.B., and Beaman D.R., U.S. Pat. No. 4, 883, 776, 1989.
Pyzik A.J., Schwarz D.B., Dubensky W.J., and Beaman D.R., U.S. Pat. No. 4, 919, 689, 1990.
Pyzik A.J., Schwarz D.B., Beaman D.R. and Dubensky W. J., U.S. Pat. No. 5, 021, 372, 1991.
Vincenzini P. and Babini G.N., The influence of secondary phases on densification, microstructure and properties of hot pressed silicon nitride, In Sintered Metal-Ceramic Composites ed. by G.S. Upadhyaya, Elsevier Sci. Publish., Amsterdam, Niderlands, 1984, pp. 425–54.
Brice J.C., The growth of crystals from liquids, ed. E.P. Wohlfarth, Selected Topics In Solid State Physics, v. 12, Nort Holland/American Elsevier, London, 1973, pp. 227–45.
Khamskii E.V., Crystallization From Solutions, Consultants Bureau, New York-London, 1969, pp. 47–8.
Hwang C.J and Tien T.Y., Microstructural development in silicon nitride ceramics, Material Science Forum, 1989, 47, pp. 84–109.
Becher P.F., Microstructural design of toughened ceramics, J Amer Ceram Soc, 1991, 74, 2, pp. 255–69.
Li, C. W. and Yamanis, J., Super-tough silicon nitride with R-curve behavior, Ceram. Eng Sci. Proc, 10, (7-8), 1990, pp. 632–645.
Hwang C.J. and Tien T.Y., A critical evaluation of the microstructural effect on the fracture toughness of silicon nitride, presented at the 90th American Ceram Soc Mtg., Cincinnati OH, 1988.
Ito J., Silicate Apatites and Oxyapatites, Am Mineralogist, 53, 1968, pp. 890–907.
Samanta S.K., and Subramanian K., Hot pressed Si3N4 as a high performance cutting tool material, Proc. 13th N Amer. Manufact. Res. Conf., SME, Dearborn Michigan, 1985, pp.402–407.
Kramer B.M., On tool materials for high speed machining, ASME Prod. Ene-. Div., 1984, 12, pp.127–40.
Baldoni J.G., Wayne F., and Buljan S.T., Cutting tool materials: mechanical properties — wear-resistance relationships, ASLE Trans, 1985, 29, 3, pp. 347–52.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1992 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd and MPA Stuttgart
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Pyzik, A.J., Carroll, D.F., Hwang, C.J., Prunier, A.R. (1992). Self-Reinforced Silicon Nitride — A new Microengineered Ceramic. In: Carlsson, R., Johansson, T., Kahlman, L. (eds) 4th International Symposium on Ceramic Materials and Components for Engines. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2882-7_63
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2882-7_63
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-85166-776-5
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-2882-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive