The milling and densification behaviour of β′-sialon powders prepared from alumino-silicate minerals

Abstract

Alumino-silicate minerals are potentially a convenient and low-cost source of β′-sialon powders, gained through high temperature carbothermal reduction under nitrogen. Four β′-sialon powders prepared by this method have been examined for milling behaviour and sinterability. An assessment is made of the effects of trace impurities in the alumino-silicate starting materials, and of the oxygen-nitrogen balance, on the characteristics of the β′-sialon powders.