Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Behavior of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/BN Laminated Ceramics

Abstract

Laminated ceramics with high mechanical properties were fabricated in the Si3N4/BN system. The mechanical properties at elevated temperatures were tested, and the oxidation behavior during tested procedure was studied at the same time. The flexure strength of the Si3N4/BN laminated ceramics changed a little below 1000°C. The displacement-load curves appeared non-linear characteristic even at high temperature. During testing procedure at high temperature, oxidation behavior of silicon nitride and silicon carbide happened, and no oxidation product of boron nitride was found. The silicon nitride layers were oxidized to form a protective silicate scale, which prevented oxidation of the boron nitride interlayers. The stability of boron nitride was beneficial to the boron nitride interlayer to partition the silicon nitride matrix layers at high temperature.