Effect of LiF on Densification and Mechanical Properties of Dy-α-Sialon Ceramics

The effect of LiF on the densification and mechanical properties of hot-pressed Dy-α-sialon ceramics was studied. Comparatively, without LiF as sintering additive, the pure Dy-α-sialon ceramic should be sintered at 1750 °C. When LiF is used, the sintering temperature of the Dy-α-sialon is greatly lowered to 1500 ∼ 1650 °C. Obviously, the addition of LiF has a strong effect on the improvement in densification. Meanwhile, the resultant Dy-α-sialon has no significant changes in the mechanical properties.