The Effect of Glass Chemistry on the Microstructub and Properties of Self Reinforced Silicon Nitride

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe advantage of self-reinforced silicon nitride is the in-situ control of the microstructure. This control is provided in large degree by the chemistry of glassy phase which can be adjusted to tailor the morphology of silicon nitride grains as well as the matrix - reinforcement interface. The presence of high aspect ratio silicon nitride grains is necessary but not sufficient condition to produce materials with optimum properties. For maximum flexure strength and fracture toughness an optimized glass matrix is required.