Sintering Behavior of Green Compacts of Si and B<sub>4</sub>C Mixed Powder in Nitrogen

Abstract

The Sintering Behavior of powder mixture compacts of Si and B4C in nitrogen atmosphere at 1350°C was investigated. Mainly, Si was changed into α-Si3N4 and β-Si3N4 by a reaction with nitrogen, and B4C was changed into BN and C, and C was converted into β-SiC by a reaction with Si. BN seemed to have an effect on reducing the number of pores in the nitrided body. B4C retarded nitridation of Si. An Si-B-C-N-O layer and BN were formed on the surface of unnitrided Si particle in the nitrided body. An SiO2-B2O3 layer formed on the surface of the Si particle in the nitriding stage seemed to retard nitridation of Si.