Synthesis and properties evaluation of β-SiAlON prepared by mechanical alloying followed by different sintering technique

Abstract

Abstract In this study, sintering was investigated for making SiAlON by utilizing low cost Si3N4, Al2O3 and AlN powder precursors. These materials were mixed by mechanical ball milling, then processed by pressureless sintering or spark plasma sintering methods and the properties compared. XRD spectroscopy showed nano-scale and amorphous phases, which were produced after longer milling time. Investigation of the bulks after sintering revealed that increasing the pressureless sintering temperature resulted in an increase in density and mechanical properties of the specimens, as did changing the sintering technique from pressureless to spark plasma sintering. Furthermore, the wear mechanisms of adhesive or micro-abrasion of the rubbed surfaces were confirmed.