Novel SiAlON ceramics for cutting tool applications

Abstract

New alpha-beta SiAlON ceramics were produced in aqueous medium by Using Multiple oxides as densifying additives. The sintered materials were characterised using a combinations of techniques such as XRD, SEM and TEM. The samples machined to cutting tool geometries were tested in turning and milling operations of cast iron and superalloy. The results were compared with some of commercially available ceramic inserts.