In this book, improvements in the heat resistance of silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics using grain boundary control and in plasticity at high temperatures using grain size control in order to reduce the cost of shaping Si3N4 are described.

The heat resistance of Si3N4 is improved by mixing a slight amount of sintering additive as an impurity into the original material powder. The author presents his findings on the high heat resistance of Si3N4.

The author also develops a new fabrication method for Si3N4 nano-ceramics that produces high plastic formability. The method developed offers two improved points in grinding and sintering processes. The author found that the plastic formability of Si3N4 nanoceramics is dependent on load stress; the results of his research are detailed in this book.

Autorentext
Dr. Nishimura Toshiyuki
Chief Researcher, Sialon Group, Sialon Unit, Environment and Energy Materials Division, National Institute for Materials Science
Email: Nishimura@Toshiyukinims.go.jp
Phone: +81-29-860-4488
1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044 JAPAN

Inhalt

Introduction: Deformation of Silicon Nitride at High Temperatures.- Preparation of nanosize silicon-nitride-based ceramics and their superplasticity.- Grain Boundary Control to Obtain Heat-Resistant Silicon Nitride.- Conclusions.