Influence of sintering conditions on the β-sialon ceramics properties from power station fly ashes

Fly ash from Lagisza power station with addition of kaolin and calculated amount of carbon was reacted in flowing nitrogen at 1520oC in order to obtain β-sialon. The resulted powder was sintered with and without Y2O3 addition. Examinations show that it is possible to sinter that material without any sintering additives, however additive of Y2O3 decreases sintering temperature of about 100oC. Sintering temperature influences the final mechanical properties like: flexural strength, microhardness, Young elastic modulus (E) and fracture toughness (KIc). (author)