NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Secondary Phase Evolution in Silicon Nitride During Creep and Heat Treatment

Published

Author(s)

F Lofaj, H Gu, A Okada, Sheldon M. Wiederhorn, H Kawamoto

Abstract

The microstructure of a ytterbia- and yttria-containing grade of silicon nitride, SN 88, was investigated after it had been annealed in nitrogen, in air and crept in air. We were particularly interested in phase transformation within the secondary silicate phases at the grain boundaries. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies showed a gradual transformation of Y5(SiO4)3N and Yb4Si2N2O7 present in the as-received material into (Y/Yb)2SiO5 and epitaxially deposited Si3N4. In air, the transformation started at the surface and progressed into the interior, while in nitrogen the transformation occurred partially throughout the body. We suggest that Y5(SiO4)3N and Yb4Si2N2O7 reacted with silica to form (Y/Yb)2SiO5 and Si3N4. Changes in the composition due to these reactions and to an accompanying reduction in the amount of silica in the microstructure account for an increase of creep resistance after annealing.
Citation
Journal of the American Ceramic Society
Pub Type
Journals

Keywords

creep, phase evolution, secondary phase, silicon nitride, transformation
Ceramics and Biomaterials

Citation

Lofaj, F. , Gu, H. , Okada, A. , Wiederhorn, S. and Kawamoto, H. (2021), Secondary Phase Evolution in Silicon Nitride During Creep and Heat Treatment, Journal of the American Ceramic Society (Accessed October 12, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created October 12, 2021
Was this page helpful?