Preparation and growth mechanism of β-Si3N4 rod-like crystals by combustion synthesis

Abstract This paper presents the preparation of β-Si 3 N 4 rod-like crystals that have an average aspect ratio of ∼10 by combustion synthesis of the mixture of Si, α-Si 3 N 4 and Y 2 O 3 under 5 MPa nitrogen pressure. By using a quenching device, the growth morphology of β-Si 3 N 4 rod-like crystals was observed and it is concluded that the growth mechanisms result from the synergy of VLS (vapor–liquid–solid) and VS (vapor–solid).