Silicon Nitride Ceramics Prepared by Vibratory Casting of Self-Reinforced Mixtures: Testing for Crack Resistance

Technological factors capable of influencing the structure, physicomechanical properties, and crack resistance of silicon nitride ceramics intended for fabrication of component of complex shape are considered. The effect of a composite sintering aid Al₂O₃ + Y₂O₃ and an ethyl silicate binder on strength and crack resistance of raw and sintered ceramics subjected to hydrostatic compression is discussed. It is shown that the ceramics in question can be tested for crack resistance by the indentation method.