Silicon nitride (Si3N4) and carbide (SiC) are getting applied to engine par
ts in Japan. We have to estimate the life of these parts whenever we use th
em for engine applications. After burning of fuel in the air we get water v
apour. Therefore, reactions between Si3N4 and/or SiC and water vapour are i
mportant for application for engine parts. The author presents a review on
this topic. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.