Processing, microstructure, mechanical properties of Si3N4 obtained by slip casting and pressureless sintering

The slip casting and subsequent pressureless sintering route has been revea led as a powerful method to obtain a high-density silicon nitride. The opti misation of the slip casting preparation and of the sintering conditions ha s been investigated. The relation between microstructure, mechanical proper ties and thermal shock behaviour of Si3N4 is also outlined. Finally, this p rocess is successfully employed to produce a Si3N4 material with interestin g properties in regard to those obtained by a hot pressing process. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.