The influence of La2O3 and Nd2O3 addition on aspect ratio of Y-α-sialon seeds

Lanthania- and neodymia-doped Y-α-sialon seeds have been prepared by gas pressure sintering. The influence of these additives on grain morphology has been investigated. Both the chemical composition and the amount of liquid phase have an influence on the morphology of α-sialon seeds at constant temperature, holding time and nitrogen pressure. Single-phase seed crystals of Y-α-sialon have been synthesized after cleaning in phosphoric acid with the aim of tailoring the microstructure of bulk α-sialon ceramics.