Investigation of the Structure of Si3N4-Based Ceramic with Al2O3 and Y2O3 Additives

A ceramic with dense nanosize structure was obtained by conventional sintering of samples formed from nanosize Si3N4 powder with Al2O3 and Y2O3 additives by cold isostatic pressing. The microstructure and density of the ceramic obtained were investigated. The technological conditions for obtaining silicon nitride ceramic that give the optimal combination of fine-grain submicron structure and high density were determined.