Enhanced mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity of silicon nitride ceramics with SiO2, Y2O3, and Al2O3 as sintering aids

Abstract

Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramics exhibit excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, making them highly suitable for biomedical applications, particularly in implants. In this study, the mechanical properties and bioactivity of Si₃N₄ ceramics with varying amounts of Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ sintering aids were investigated. Increasing the sintering additive content from 4 wt% to 8 wt% substantially improved the bulk density of the ceramics, leading to notable enhancements in mechanical properties. These included a Vickers hardness increase to 10.07 GPa, a flexural strength increase to 605 MPa, and a fracture toughness increase to 2.43 MPa m^1/2. The optimal combination of mechanical properties was achieved with 8 wt% sintering additives due to the higher aspect ratio and lower porosity. After immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), the surface of the Si₃N₄ ceramics was coated with a Ca and P-rich layer, morphologically similar to hydroxyapatite. The layer formation was facilitated by the presence of SiO₂, which promoted hydroxyapatite nucleation and growth, as well as the rapid release of Ca²⁺ ions and the sustained stability of the apatite layer.