Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum nitride co-doped with cerium oxide via hot-pressing sintering

The effects of hot-pressing sintering of CeO2 additive on the densification behaviors and microstructural development of AlN ceramics are investigated. CeO2 additive can improve the physical and mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and purification of the grain boundaries. The resulting AlN ceramic exhibits a flexural strength of 387.9 MPa, a fracture toughness of 3.34 MPa m1/2, a Vickers, hardness of 12.68 GPa, a thermal conductivity of 168.3 Wm−1 K−1, and a relative density of 99.59%.