Abstract: A process for preparing a self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic body of high fracture toughness comprising hot-pressing a powder mixture containing silicon nitride, a densification aid such as sodium oxide, a conversion aid such as lanthanum oxide and a compound, such as gallium oxide, which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers-under conditions such that densification and the in situ formation of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers having a high aspect ratio occur. A novel silicon nitride ceramic of high fracture toughness and high fracture strength is disclosed comprising a .beta.-silicon nitride crystalline phase wherein at least about 20 volume percent of the phase is in the form of whiskers having an average aspect ratio of at least about 2.5; a glassy second phase containing the densificaton aid, the conversion aid, the compound which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers, and an amount of silica; and not greater than about 10 weight percent of the total weight as other phases.

Abstract: A process for preparing a self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic body of high fracture toughness comprising hot-pressing a powdcer mixture containing silicon nitride, a densification aid such as sodium oxide, a conversion aid such as lanthanum oxide and a compound, such as gallium oxide, which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers-under conditions such that densification and the in situ formation of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers having a high aspect ratio occur. A novel silicon nitride ceramic of high fracture toughness and high fracture strength is disclosed comprising a .beta.-silicon nitride crystalline phase wherein at least about 20 volume percent of the phase is in the form of whiskers having an average aspect ratio of at least about 2.5; a glassy second phase containing the densification aid, the conversion aid, the compound which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers, and an amount of silica; and not greater than about 10 weight percent of the total weight as other phases.

Abstract: A process for preparing a self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic body of high fracture toughness comprising hot-pressing a powder mixture containing silicon nitride, a densification aid such as sodium oxide, a conversion aid such as lanthanum oxide and a compound, such as gallium oxide, which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers-under conditions such that densification and the in situ formation of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers having a high aspect ratio occur. A novel silicon nitride ceramic of high fracture toughness and high fracture strength is disclosed comprising a .beta.-silicon nitride crystalline phase wherein at least about 20 volume percent of the phase is in the form of whiskers having an average aspect ratio of at least about 2.5; a glassy second phase containing the densification aid, the conversion aid, the compound which enhances growth of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers, and an amount of silica; and not greater than about 10 weight percent of the total weight as other phases.

Abstract: Cobalt-bound tungsten carbide metal matrix composites having a unique microstructure are produced by consolidating partially sintered greenware under high pressures, e.g., 120,000 psi, at temperatures less than those used for conventional liquid phase sintering in a relatively short time, e.g., from less than one minute to less than about one hour. The composites have a binder phase which contains less than about 80 weight percent of the tungsten found in a composite prepared from the same or similar compositions via liquid phase sintering. These composites provide cutting tools with both toughness and wear resistance which exceed that of cutting tools made from the same or similar compositions via liquid phase sintering.

Abstract: A process for preparing a self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic body of high fracture toughness comprising hot-pressing a powder mixture containing silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide and calcium oxide under conditions such that densification and the in situ formation of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers having a high aspect ratio occur. A novel silicon nitride ceramic of high fracture toughness is disclosed comprising a .beta.-silicon nitride crystalline phase wherein at least about 20 volume percent of the phase is in the form of whiskers having an average aspect ratio of at least about 2.5; a glassy second phase containing magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, and silica in a total amount not greater than about 35 weight percent; and not greater than about 10 weight percent of the total weight as other phases.

Abstract: A process for preparing a self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic body of high fracture toughness comprising hot-pressing a powder mixture containing silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide and calcium oxide under conditions such that densification and the in situ formation of .beta.-silicon nitride whiskers having a high aspect ratio occur. A novel silicon nitride ceramic of high fracture toughness is disclosed comprising a .beta.-silicon nitride crystalline phase wherein at least about 20 volume percent of the phase is in the form of whiskers having an average aspect ratio of at least about 2.5; a glassy second phase containing magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, and silica in a total amount not greater than about 35 weight percent; and not greater than about 10 weight percent of the total weight as other phases.