Abstract
Calcium-stabilized alpha-sialon ceramics reinforced with cubic boron nitride (cBN) particles were synthesized using spark plasma sintering. The effects of the size of alpha-sialon precursor particle and the influence of the amount of cBN reinforcement on the physical, structural and mechanical characteristics of the composites were studied. Synthesis of the composites at 1500 °C with a holding time of 30 min resulted in densified composites. CBN-reinforced alpha-sialon composites synthesized via probe sonication showed particle sizes between 200 nm and 450 nm and showed significantly better mechanical properties than did the unreinforced sialon. A Vickers hardness (HV10) value of as high as 24.0 GPa was measured for this reinforced sialon, as compared to a value of 21.6 GPa for the pure alpha sialon. However, a phase transformation from alpha to beta sialon was observed when using high energy ball milling process condition, where the size of the alpha-forming precursors was decreased to about 100 nm. This phase transformation was accompanied by a simultaneous cubic-to-hexagonal boron nitride phase transformation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
