Improvement in the Oxidation Resistance of beta-SiAlON Ceramics Produced from Mechanically Milled Powders

Abstract

In the present study the oxidation behavior of beta-SiAlON ceramics, which were produced from conventional and high energy mechanical milled powders, was investigated. High energy mechanically milled powders have lower particle sizes (similar to 30 nm) than those of conventional powders (216 nm) and fully densified at lower temperatures with less amount of additives. The amount of additive is an important parameter to improve the high temperature oxidation resistance of SiAlON ceramics. The cyclic and isothermal oxidation tests were carried out at 1300 and 1400 degrees C in dry air environment. The weight gain of oxidized samples was measured during the oxidation process. The alteration of oxide layer was analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results indicate that oxidation resistance of the samples produced from mechanically milled powders with less amount of additive is higher than that of conventional one. Therefore, beta-SiAlON ceramics which were sintered at 100 degrees C lower temperatures with less amount of additive (3.5 wt. % Y2O3), showed a better oxidation resistance.