The effect of different nucleation temperatures on the grain morphology of alpha-SiAlON ceramics

Abstract

Nitrogen rich yttrium-cerium containing multi-cation alpha-SiAlON starting compositions were prepared by gas pressure sintering using conventional alpha-Si3N4 powder. Microstructural characterization of the two stage sintered materials resulted in elongated. alpha-SiAlON in various conditions. The effect of different nucleation temperatures at 1400; 1500 and 1600degreesC and times for 5 and 20 minutes on the grain morphology of alpha-SiAlON ceramics were investigated.