Reaction between silicon nitride and magnesium oxide during hot pressing

Conclusions

Using the methods of microscopical examination, chemical and mass spectrometric analyses, electron probe microanalysis, and weight loss determination, astudy was made of the reaction between technical silicon nitride powder and magnesium oxide. It is shown that the reaction involves not only the formation of forsterite, enstatite, and variable-composition glasses but also diffusion of the main components, with a gradual fall in magnesium concentration over the whole length of the diffusion zone in a model system. In the temperature range 1600–1700°C magnesium atoms drive out of the silicon nitride lattice silicon atoms, which then react with oxygen from the magnesium oxide or air to form silicon monoxide ions in the gaseous phase. The evaporation of the silicon monoxide in the system results in loss of weight, which grows with rise in temperature. The processes of evaporation and dissociation of the starting components, which sharply increase in intensity at 1800°C, make a certain contribution to the loss of weight.