Combustion synthesis Si₃N₄ powders by using activation process

The influence of activation process (both mechanical and chemical) on synthesis of Si₃N₄ powders was investigated. The result showed that mechanical activation played a role of enhancing the combustion temperature but lowering activation energy, which enable the reaction propagated under a lower temperature. Chemical additives play a role of lowering down the combustion temperature and providing solid N source, which favored the formation of alpha phase silicon nitride and helped to elevate the nitrogen content in the product.