Abstract
Si3N4 ceramics with constant proportion of sintering aids and different mass percentages of tetra-needle-like ZnO whisker (T-ZnOw) added were prepared by gas pressure sintering process at 1700 °C under an applied pressure of 4 MPa for 2 h. The microstructure, mechanical and antibacterial properties of Si3N4 ceramics were characterized and investigated. The results indicated that T-ZnOw could be well- dispersed in the sintered ceramic matrix and grain size of Si3N4 ceramics became larger with the addition of T-ZnOw. Moreover, the mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics with T-ZnOw added were slightly lower than those of samples without T-ZnOw added for the unnoticeable negative effects of T-ZnOw. Additionally, Si3N4 ceramics with T-ZnOw added possessed superior antibacterial rate against both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) compared with samples without T-ZnOw added owing to generation and release of reactive oxygen and Zn2+ ions that could inhibit the growth of bacteria.
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