Co-Catalyzed Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Sialon Nanofibers Reinforced SiC Refractories

SiCp matrix refractories reinforced by Si3N4/Sialon nanofibers in-situ catalytic formed were prepared at 1400 °C. The roles of catalyst Co on the structure and properties of as-prepared products were studied. We found that the catalyst Co enhanced the nitridation of Si and/or Al. With the increasing of Co addition (from 0-2.0 wt.%), the apparent porosity of the products decreased first and then increased, while the bending strength and the bulk density were exactly the opposite. The as-prepared Si3N4/Sialon bonded SiC refractories exhibited the highest strength of 61.1 MPa as the Co content was 1.0 wt.%. The addition of Co was beneficial to the formation of Si3N4/Sialon nanofibers and the sintering of Si3N4/Sialon bonded SiC matrix refractories, which effectively improved the strength of the samples.