Formation of highly-porous ceramic based on silicon carbide

The formation of the structure of a porous ceramic based on Si3N4 has been investigated. It has been found that the structure can be controlled over a wide range of porosities. Materials based on a consisting of a single fraction silicon nitride of grain size 3–5 μm, with the addition of a fine-grained pore agent have most uniform, hard, and developed porous structure. A comparative evaluation of the properties of material based on SiC and Si3N4 showed that silicon nitride materials of the same porosity are stronger and that small micropores can be formed in them. That is of fundamental importance in the development of materials—catalyst carriers for chemical production and various kinds of filtering devices. With the results of the investigations general technological recommendations can be made for producing ceramics with specific structures.