Effect of siloxane infiltration of green samples on properties of RBSN

It is demonstrated that the properties of reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) can be improved by addition of methylphenylsiloxane. When used as an auxiliary substance for granulating and pressing, it brings about higher density. Infiltration of the green samples by siloxane and subsequent pyrolysis produces a residue which changes the pore size distribution, with favourable effects on hardness and Young's modulus of the nitrided samples.