Silicon nitride containers for the sintering of silicon nitride ceramics

Reference Number: N 04-12

Inventors: Edler, James P.

Owner: NISTAC

USPTO Link: 5085582

Invention Summary

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, these and other objects and advantages are addressed as follows. An enclosable vessel is disclosed for containing a silicon containing article during sintering in a furnace to protect the silicon nitride article from thermal decomposition and contamination reactions with furnace materials. The enclosable vessel is a closable walled container formed of silicon nitride having an opening to allow interior placement of the silicon nitride article within the walled container. The vessel is preferably formed of reaction bonded silicon nitride, and may be boxed-shaped or cylindrically-shaped. Furthermore, it is advantageous for a hole to be left in the walled container for gaseous communication between the inside and the outside of the vessel.

The enclosable vessel may further include elongated support pieces also formed of silicon nitride, or reaction bonded silicon nitride, in order to support the silicon nitride article to be sintered. The sinter box, or enclosable vessel, may also comprise a flat support plate for placement on top of the elongated support pieces to support the silicon nitride article.