Properties of α-Sialon Ceramics

Abstract

α-Sialon ceramics in the system of Si₃N₄-AlN-Y₂O₃ were fabricated by pressureless sintering. The solid solubility range, microstructure and mechanical properties such as fracture strength, hardness, fracture toughness were measured. In the Y-α-Sialon ceramics, there existed a composition range containing a small amount of additive named “partially stabilized α-Sialon” in which α-Sialon and β-Si₃N₄ coexist. α-Sialon ceramics with excellent mechanical properties can be obtained in this composition range by controlling composition and microtexture.