2001 Volume 48 Issue 1 Pages 45-50
The effects of additives on the densification of vanadium nitride (VN) ceramics were prechecked by sintering. So we selected Y2O3 as a sintering aid among several oxides (Al2O3, CaCO3, MgO, SiO2, TiO2, WO3, Y2O3, etc.). VN ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering at 1800 to 2200°C for 2h in N2 atmosphere. A sample added 5vol% Y2O3 sintered at 2000°C gave the relative density (dr) of 96.2% and its Vicker's hardness reached 16.2 GPa. As its spesific resistance is 1.2×10-4 Ωcm at room temperature, it is possible to cut this by using of an arc cutting machine. The optical reflectivity of polished samples is light beige with metallic luster. It is concluded that polished samples (dr>95%) can be used for ornament.
