| abstract |
A silicon carbide based material exhibiting high strength, good thermal shock resistance, high resistance to abrasion and being chemically stable to harsh environmental conditions is described. The carbide ceramic comprises a β-SiA1ON bonding phase in which sintering is facilitated by at least one rare earth oxide sintering agents incorporated within the batch admixture as starting materials. The residual rare earth sintering aid being chosen so as to impart good mechanical and refractory properties. |