| abstract |
A process for preparing a β-type silicon nitride whisker, which comprises calcining a powdery mixture of a starting material powder selected from amorphous silicon nitride and an α-type silicon nitride and 0.0l to 20 parts by weight, in terms of the oxide, per l00 parts by weight of the starting material powder, of a rare earth element oxide powder or a powdery compound a rare earth element convertible to the oxide during calcination under a non-oxidative gas atmosphere. Thus, the desired β-type silicon nitride whisker can be produced with a good yield and efficiency. |