Synthesis and properties of SiC/Si3N4 co-reinforced La-containing glass ceramic matrix composites

In-situ grown β-Si3N4 and α-SiC co-reinforced La-containing glass ceramic matrix composites using ZrO2 as addition were obtained by a two-step sintering process. These composites were pressureless sintered under a nitrogen atmosphere at different sintering conditions for comparison of phase transformation and mechanical properties. Densities of the samples were measured and analyses of resultant products were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that additions of La-containing glass can effectively promote α-Si3N4 to β-Si3N4 phase transformation. However, β-Si3N4 grain growth was hindered by the existent α-SiC. The La-containing glass-ceramic matrix composites exhibit high mechanical properties.