Joining of silicon nitride ceramics by hot pressing

Abstract

The joining of hot-pressed silicon nitride ceramics, containing Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids, has been carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere. Uniaxial pressure was applied at high temperature during the joining process. Polyethylene was used as a joining agent. Joining strength was measured by four-point bending tests. The effects of joining conditions such as temperature (from 1400 to 1600°C), joining pressure (from 0.1 to 40 MPa), holding time (from 0.5 to 8 h) and surface roughness (Rmax) of the joining couple (about 0.12, 0.22 and 1.2μm) on the joining strength were examined. The joining strength was increased with increases in joining temperature, joining pressure and holding time. Larger surface roughness caused lower joining strength. The higher joining strength was attributed to a larger true contact area. The area was increased through plastic deformation of the joined couple at elevated temperatures. The highest joining strength attained was 567 MPa at room temperature, which was about half the value of the average flexural strength of the original body. The high temperature strength measured at 1200° C did not differ very much from the room-temperature value.