Fabrication of β-Si3N4 whiskers by combustion synthesis with MgSiN2 as additives

β-Si3N4 whiskers with diameter of 0.5–2μm and aspect ratio of 10–15 have been successfully prepared by combustion synthesis under 30–50atm nitrogen pressure. The addition of MgSiN2 powder plays a significant role in the growth of β-Si3N4 whiskers. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).