Abstract
Beta-sialon powder(Z=1) was synthesized by the simultaeous reduction and nitridation of the mixed powders of Hadong kaolin and silica. Silicon hydroxide was prepared from Si-alkoxide by a hydrolysis method and amorphous silica was obtained from the calcination of the prepared silicon hydroxide. Hadong kaolin was mixed with both the silicon hydroxide and amorphous silica, respectively. The average particle size was 4${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ and the morphology of particle was rod-like and equiaxed in the case of beta-sialon powder prepared form Hadong kaolin and silicon hydroxide(COMPOSITION A), whereas the average particle size was 3${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ and the morphology of particle was equiaxed in the case of beta-sialon powder prepared from Hadong kaolin and amorphous silica(COMPOSITION B). The synthesized beta-sialon powders were hot-pressed at 175$0^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours under 30 MPa in a nitrogen atmosphere after YAG composition(8wt%) was added to these powders as a sintering agent. The hot-pressed specimens were annealed a 140$0^{\circ}C$ for 4 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere. The mechanical properties of sintered bodies were investigated in terms of M.O.R., fracture toughness and hardness. The measured values are as follows. COMPOSITION A : M.O.R. 508MPa, KIC 3.5MN/m3/2, hardness 13.6GPa. COMPOSITION B : M.O.R. 653MPa, KIC 5.4MN/m3/2, hardness 13.5GPa.