The Effect of Nitrogen Partial Pressure on Microstructure of Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride

The interaction between gas atmosphere and silicon during reaction bonded silicon nitride(RBSN)process leads to a non-uniform band formation of alpha silicon nitride. The reaction layer, α -Si3N4, was formed near the surface of the sample in the early stage of RBSN. Reactive nitrogen gas was supplied as static state using computer controlled gas delivery system. The formation of α -Si3N4 band near the surface of the sample can be explained thermodynamically, based on the nitrogen partial pressure in the gas mixtures.