MICROSTRUCTURE OF FIBER-LIKE SIC SI3N4 COMPOSITE PARTICULATE/

The microstructure of fiber-like SiC/Si3N4 composite particulate was i nvestigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy tec hniques. The SiC/Si3N4 composite particulate consisted of a beta-SiC c ore and a alpha-Si3N4 outer shell. Two kinds of composite particulate were distinguished when the observed orientation of the SiC core was < 1 1 0>. In one type of the SiC/Si3N4 composite particulate, a crystal relationship of (1 1 1) beta-SiC parallel to (1 0 2) alpha-Si3N4 and ( 1 1 1) beta-SiC parallel to (1 1 4) alpha-Si3N4 was identified; in the other type of the SiC/Si3N4 composite particulate, a crystal relation ship of (1 1 1) beta-SiC parallel to (0 0 1) alpha-Si3N4, and (1 1 1) beta-SiC parallel to (1 0 1) alpha-Si3N4 was observed.