High purity, submicron, spherical, high surface area particles of covalent ceramics are key to achieving high density materials, which exhibit high strength and creep resistance at high temperatures. Currently available covalent ceramic particles, lead to poor high temperature strength and creep resistance. This program will investigate a simple process that will produce stoichiometric high purity, submicron, spherical ceramic particles with a very high surface area which will allow for self sintering of covalently bonded ceramics. The particle synthesis process consists in evaporating high purity silicon into a plasma of nitrogen or methane to produce Si3N4 or SiC particles. The properties of the sintered ceramic will be assessed. It is expected that the sintered particles, produced at substantial savings, will replace existing materials and expand the market in automotive, aerospace, all engines conversion, wear and cutting tools.
