Combustion synthesis of hexagonal boron-nitride-based ceramics

Pure hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) and hBN-based ceramic parts were fabricated by the combustion synthesis technique, i.e. self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). The components were manufactured by the combustion reaction of 80 MPa nitrogen and the compact made by cool isostatic pressing. In the hBN-based ceramic parts, hBN powders were used as diluent and SiO2 powders as the reinforcement phase. The relative density of pure hBN and hBN-based ceramic parts was 58 and 78%, respectively. The phases and microstructure of the ceramic parts were analyzed using XRD and SEM. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.