α-Silicon nitride powder has been coated with aluminium oxide generated by the in-situ hydrolysis of aluminium isopropoxide in isopropanol solution. TEM examinations show clearly the coating structure and the homogeneity of dispersion of the aluminium oxide over the surfaces of the silicon nitride particles. Benefits of this method of addition of densification additives are shown in a faster sintering densification rate of coated particles compared with conventionally mixed powders, and in the homogeneity of the final microstructure.