Activation of the Surface of Silicon Nitride Powder by Vibration Ball Milling

Abstract

Silicon nitride powders of α- and β-types were activated by vibration ball milling, and the mechanochemical activation has been investigated by means of X-ray diffractometry and calorimetry. The specific surface area of two types of ground Si₃N₄ powders increased monotonically with the increase of grinding time. The fine grinding promoted the fragmentation of crystallites and an increase of lattice strain particularly in β-type. The surface energy of ground Si₃N₄ powders increased remarkably.