Effect of Seeding on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of alpha-SiAlON: II, Ca-alpha-SiAlON

Seeding effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of single-phase Ca-α-SiAlON ceramics have been investigated. Whereas a small amount of seeds can transform the microstructure from one of fine equiaxed grains to one consisting of many needle-like grains, the highest fracture toughness of 8 MPa . m1/2 is not reached until 8% seeding. This contrasts with the much higher seed efficiency in Y-SiAlON, where the peak toughness is reached at 1% seeding. The difference and the general trend of mechanical properties of seeded α-SiAlONs are discussed in terms of α-SiAlON formation and toughening mechanisms.