Preparation of Si3N4 Ceramics by Aligning α-Si3N4 Whiskers

In this paper, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics by aligning α-Si3N4 whiskers were prepared via tape casting, hot-press sintering technique using Y2O3 and MgO as sintering additives. Aligned α-Si3N4 whiskers were realized by modifying the tape casting technique. After tape casting, Si3N4 tape with good flexibility and uniform pores can be obtained. Microstructures of the tape, green body and sintered sample were observed by SEM images. The results show α-Si3N4 whiskers in Si3N4 tape and green body were aligned preferentially along the tape casting direction. Si3N4 ceramics with aligned elongated grains are developed by hot-press sintering technique based on the reaction between Si3N4 and the sintering additives which lead to the liquid phase.