Narrow Results

Si₃N₄–SiC composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering at 1700${}^{\circ }$C for 480 S with MgSiN₂ and Y₂O₃ as additives. The morphology and phase characterization of the composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The values of $n$ parameter indicate that the grain boundary reaction is the rate controller at 1500${}^{\circ }$C and diffusion becomes the controlling step at 1550${}^{\circ }$C. The nanohardness and Young’s modulus attained the maximum value of 18.5 and 316GPa, respectively.