Synthesis of α-Si3N4 using low-α-phase Si3N4 diluent by the seeding technique

An iterative method, called the seeding technique, was introduced into the traditional combustion synthesis process to synthesize α-Si3N4 powders, using low-α-phase Si3N4 diluent. The effect of the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics on the α-phase content of the synthesized product was discussed by calculating the conversion ratio of Si to α-Si3N4. The optimal conditions to obtain α-Si3N4 through the seeding technique have been determined.