Synthesis of single phase β-SiAlON ceramics by reaction-bonded sintering using Si and Al₂O₃ as raw materials

Single-phase β-SiAlON compacts with z = 1 have been synthesized by reaction-bonded sintering using Si and Al₂O₃ as raw materials. The nitrided samples consisted of fine equiaxed particles and continuous fibers. β-SiAlON fibers with a diameter approximately 50 nm were obtained through the vapor-solid mechanism. After post-sintering at 1650-1750 °C for 2 h, only β-SiAlON phase with z = 1 was obtained. α-Si₃N₄ completely changed into β-SiAlON through the solution-precipitation mechanism. β-SiAlON shows different microstructures at different post-sintering temperature.