Effect of post heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Lu-doped α-SiAlONs

Abstract: The effects of the excess Lu2O3 addition and post heat treatment on the phase composition, morphology of α-SiAlON grains and mechanical properties of Lu-α-SiAlON were investigated. The results show that incorporation of excess Lu2O3 facilitates the formation of elongated α-SiAlON grains. Post heat treatment not only further promotes the growth of α-SiAlON grains with a larger aspect ratio, but also results in the adjustment of phase compositions and eliminates the residual glass phases between α-SiAlON grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]