MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES IN THE INITIAL-STAGE OF SINTERING

Silicon nitride-based ceramics with different compositions were sintered in the 60%-90% range of theoretical density. Linear correlations between the apparent density and the modulus of elasticity, the three- and four-point bend strengths or the Vickers hardness, were observed. The slopes of the straight lines were nearly the same for all compositions. Furthermore, the modulus of elasticity, hardness, fracture toughness and strength were calculated as functions of density by modelling the structure as a random arrangement of spheres as suggested by Fischmeister and Arzt. The relationships obtained have been compared with the measured ones.