In the present study, mixtures of conventional alpha-Si3N4 with beta-S
iC or nanosized beta-SiC and ternary Si-C-N (15-20 nm) powders without
and with Y2O3/Al2O3 as additive were used as starting materials. By H
ot Isostatic Pressing of these powders, micro/nano-composites and nano
/nanocomposites were obtained. Dynamic hot hardness at 800, 1000 and 1
100 degrees C and creep behavior at 1600 degrees C for pressures of 50
,100 and 150 MPa were used to characterize the materials. The influenc
e of grain size and SiC content on these properties is discussed. (C)
1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.