The influence of mechanochemical activation on combustion synthesis of Si3N4

Abstract This study addresses itself in the performance of Si 3 N 4 combustion synthesis, occurred in the presence of Si 3 N 4 and NH 4 Cl powders in N 2 atmosphere of 6 MPa. Mechanochemical activation of Si powder, achieved via high-energy attrition milling up to 24 h, increases the intensity and the efficiency of the reactions between Si and N 2 as well as combustion temperature. Benign processing conditions, anticipated with lower mechanochemical activation of Si powder, low N 2 pressures, and low combustion temperatures, favor formation of α-Si 3 N 4 .