Development strategies for sialon ceramics

Abstract

SiAlON ceramics have a wide range of applications due to their favorable mechanical and thermal properties. They are one of the main groups of materials being considered for high temperature load bearing applications and room to moderate temperature applications involving mechanical and/or chemical processes. However, wide spread use of SiAlON ceramics has not been realized due to high cost of raw materials and of processing. In this study, improvements in materials properties and processing of SiAlON ceramics by compositional design will be given with various application examples. Particular emphasis will be given to the possible routes of overcoming the obstacles to widespread use of these materials and consequent research needs.