Effect of CeO2, MgO and Y2O3 additions on the sinterability of a milled Si3N4 with 14.5 wt% SiO2

The sinterability of alpha Si3N4 with 0-5.07 equivalent per cent of CeO2, MgO, or Y2O3 has been studied in the temperature range 1650-1820 C by density measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. Maximum densities were obtained in the range 1765-1820 C and were 99.6% of theoretical with 2.5% CeO2; 98.5% of theoretical with 1.24 to 1.87% MgO, and 99.2% of theoretical with 2.5% Y2O3. Densities 94% or more of theoretical value were obtained with as little as 0.62 equivalent per cent additive.