Abstract: Macroporous silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics with high strength, uniform structure and relatively high porosity were obtained by gelcasting and carbonthermal reaction in a two-step sintering technique. Microstructure and composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Open porosity, pore size distribution and basic mechanical performance were measured by Archimedes method, mercury intrusion porosimetry and three-point bending methods, respectively. SEM and TEM results revealed that pores were formed by elongated β-Si3N4. SADP measurement proved the formation of SiC particles. The SiC granules were beneficial for the formation of high ratio elongatedβ-Si3N4, and at proper amount, they also acted as reinforcement phase. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the mechanisms of the reactions were mainly associated with liquid-solid reaction and gas-liquid reaction.

Key words: Ceramics, Silicon nitride, Silicon carbide, X-ray diffraction