Production and Characterization of ZrO2-Si3N4 Ceramics

ZrO2-Si3N4 ceramics (Si3N4 content varies between 0-20 wt.%) were produced 1500°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. As the amount of Si3N4 in ZrO2 was increased, densification was inhibited and the bulk density decreased gradually. The density values decreased from 5.66 to 3.68 g/cm3 for the samples containing 5 and 20 wt.% Si3N4. The major phase found in all samples was t-ZrO2, Si3N4 was detected in -form due to low sintering temperature. Peak merging in specific 2 values in ZrO2 shows the presence of c-ZrO2. The porosity formed with Si3N4 addition was also determined by SEM. Hardness and fracture toughness also decreased against the increasing amount of Si3N4.