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Abstract: The effect of bentonite addition on extrusion behavior, open porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. The results showed that paste with an appropriate amount of bentonite had a good extrusion behavior. The resultant microstructures consisted of rod-like silicon nitride grains and some intergranular amorphous phase. Furthermore, superior mechanical properties were obtained. Using cheap but effective bentonite as inorganic binder as well as sintering aid is a promising eco-friendly preparation route for cost-effective porous silicon nitride ceramics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Porous β-Si3N4 ceramics were fabricated by carbothermal reaction between silica and carbon. The influences of carbon source on microstructure and the sintering behavior of the samples obtained via different sintering processes were studied. The results showed that phase composition and microstructure varied with carbon source. The resultant porous β-Si3N4 ceramics with nanometer carbon had finer microstructure, more uniform pore structure, lower weight loss and linear shrinkage, and higher flexural strength than those using micrometer carbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]