Si3N4-SiCp Composites Reinforced by In Situ Co-Catalyzed Generated Si3N4 Nanofibers

• Main Authors: Juntong Huang, Zhaohui Huang, Shaowei Zhang, Minghao Fang, Yan’gai Liu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2014-01-01
• Series: Journal of Nanomaterials
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/752378

Si3N4-SiCp composites reinforced by in situ catalytic formed nanofibers were prepared at a relatively low sintering temperature. The effects of catalyst Co on the phase compositions, microstructures, and physicochemical-mechanical properties of samples sintered at 1350°C–1450°C were investigated. The results showed that the catalyst Co enhanced the nitridation of Si. With the increase of Co addition (from 0 wt% to 2.0 wt.%), the apparent porosity of as-prepared refractories was initially decreased and subsequently increased, while the bulk density and the bending strength exhibited an opposite trend. The Si3N4-SiCp composites sintered at 1400°C had the highest strength of 60.2 MPa when the Co content was 0.5 wt.%. The catalyst Co facilitated the sintering of Si3N4-SiCp composites as well as the formation of Si3N4 nanofibers which exhibited network connection and could improve their strength.