Patents
The invention provides a synergistic composition for the preparation of dense Samarium stabilised alpha-SiAION by inventive steps of selecting compositions from the system Si3N4 - AI2O3.AIN - Sm2O3.9AIN - SiO2 which will provide dense product of the order of > 98% theoretical density with the advantages such as cost effectiveness, high hardness and high fracture toughness. The produced dense alpha-SiAION will be useful for low temperature applications as wear parts like bearing and roller materials and particularly for grinding and milling operations like grinding balls.