Simultaneous synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured NbSi2-Si3N4 composite from mechanically activated powders by high-frequency induction-heated combustion

Abstract

Dense nanostructured 4NbSi(2)-Si3N4 composite was synthesized by high-frequency induction-heated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 1 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of NbN and Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 4NbSi(2)-Si3N4 composite with relative density of up to 98% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the induced current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the composite were investigated. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.