Thermal oxidation of sintered beta-sialon (z=3) by oxygen and water vapor

Abstract

Thermal oxidation of sintered beta-sialon ceramics was investigated at 13000°C-1600°C in Ar/O₂ (dry) and Ar/H₂O (wet) atmospheres. The weight changes due to oxidation were monitored by thermo-gravimetry. Oxidized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and EPMA. The weight increase curves showed that water vapor accelerates the oxidation of beta-sialon. Oxidation products were mullite and cristobalite but the latter was not detected in the sample oxidized at 1600°C.