Size effects in micro- And nanocarbon added C/Si₃N₄ composite prepared by hot pressing

Silicon nitride based composites have been fabricated by carbon addition. Carbon black nanograins and graphite micrograins were used as second phase additions. Alumina and yttria were used as sintering aids. Mixing of powders was performed in a ball mill and for comparison in a high efficient attritor mill. For sintering the hot pressing technique has been applied. Experiments at 2 MPa uniaxial pressure have been performed. The Si/N mass fraction after sintering were determined by prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA). The amount of carbon black and graphite introduced in the silicon nitride matrix increased the porosity and decreased the hardness and bending strength of composites. Lower modulus, and lower strength was obtained for composites with carbon black addition in comparison to graphite added samples. The microstructure of composites consisted mainly of alpha and beta silicon nitride. The formation of silicon carbide was observed only at 10 wt% carbon black addition.