Preferred orientation of Si3N4 ceramics by slip casting in a high magnetic field

Abstract Preferred orientation of Si 3 N 4 ceramics by slip casting in a high magnetic field was obtained. Although the magnetic susceptibility of non-magnetic Si 3 N 4 ceramics is very small, it is possible to control the crystal orientation of Si 3 N 4 using a high magnetic field. The orientation of Si 3 N 4 ceramics was studied by X-ray diffraction and the orientation degree was calculated. The results indicated that β-Si 3 N 4 phase possessed a , b -axis orientation parallel to the magnetic field and c -axis orientation perpendicular to the magnetic field. SEM micrographs of polished and plasma etched specimens showed a , b planes of β-Si 3 N 4 grains aligned in the side2 surfaces.