........ published in NEWSLETTER # 54
[ NATO-PCO Home Page ] [ Table of Contents of NEWSLETTER # 54 ]
........ published in NEWSLETTER # 54
TAILORING OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SI3N4 CERAMICS
by Dr. M.J.Hoffmann and Professor G. Petzow, Max_Planck_Institut fuer Metallforschung, Stuttgart (Germany)
Although silicon nitride ceramics have been intensively studied for nearly two decades, there is still considerable research activity in industrial laboratories as well as other research centres because of the anticipated breakthrough in industrial applications. The increasing interest in using silicon nitride ceramics as turbocharger rotors, valves, bearings or cutting tools is due to the enormous progress made in recent years in developing high-strength materials with high reliability and excellent thermal shock resistance. The improvements are based on advances in a more fundamental understanding of densification behaviour and grain growth. Furthermore, new analytical methods and high resolution transmission electron microscopy in combination with extensive phase equilibria studies have provided new insights into the grain boundary region.
The present volume (NATO ASI SERIES E276) summarizes these recent advances. It contains 32 papers presented at the international conference "Silicon Nitride 93" held in October 1993 in Stuttgart and at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop also held in October 1993 at Schloss Ringberg (Germany). The book presents opportunities for controlling microstructural development and gives an analysis of microstructure_property relationships. Special emphasis is devoted to the influence of the grain boundary phase on high_ temperature properties. The articles describe scientific advances in understanding creep deformation, subcritical crack growth and fatigue behaviour. The discussion of the stability of the amorphous grain boundary and devitrification behaviour demonstrates the possibilities and limits for the development of high_temperature resistant materials.
All the authors are leading experts in this field. The book has been carefully arranged to achieve a textbook format which will be of value to researchers already active in the field as well as to newcomers and students.
Reference books: E23, E65, E170, E173, E185, E241, E267, E276