Self-reinforced Y-α-sialon ceramics with barium.aluminosilicate as an additive

Y-α-sialons (Y_0.333Si₁₀Al₂ON₁₅) were prepared by hot pressing using 5 wt.% BaAl₂Si₂O₈ as an additive. The results showed that barium aluminosilicate not only.served as a liquid-phase sintering aid to promote densification, but also facilitated the.development of elongated α-sialon grains. The obtained self-toughened α-sialon was.both hard and tough. The Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness.are 18.9 GPa, 802 MPa, and 6.0 Mpam^1/2, respectively. Post heat treatment could.promote the growth of elongated α-sialon grains, hence further increasing its.toughness.