Additive-Coated Si3N4 Powder Prepared By The Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Y2O3-La2O3 additive-coated Si3N4 powders of about 1.5 μm in size were prepared by the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, electron microscopies, and particle size analysis were used to study the coating on the Si3N4 particles. The results show that properties of the bulk Si3N4 powder are not affected by using the sol-gel coating and the powders are homogeneously coated by a thin layer of the Y2O3-La2O3 additives. The structure of the Y2O3-La2O3 coating layer is amorphous or microcrystalline with a submicron thickness. The coated powders are then more sinterable, and the mechanical properties of the ceramics prepared from such powders are improved.