Consolidation of nanostructured ZrSi2–Si3N4 synthesized from mechanically activated (4ZrN + 11Si) powders by high frequency induction heated combustion synthesis

Dense nanostructured 4ZrSi2–Si3N4 composite was synthesized by high frequency induction heated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 1 min in one-step from mechanically activated powders of 4ZrN and 11Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and consolidation were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 4ZrSi2–Si3N4 with relative density of up to 98% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the induced current. The average grain size and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.