Patent ID: 6555032
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: C04B

Abstract:
A process for forming a porous silicon nitride-silicon carbide body, the process comprising:(a) forming a plasticizable batch mixture comprising: (1) powdered silicon metal; (2) a silicon-containing source selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, silicon nitride and mixtures thereof; (3) a water soluble crosslinking thermoset resin having a viscosity of about 50-300 centipoise; and, (4) a water soluble thermoplastic temporary binder; (b) shaping the plasticizable batch mixture to form a green body; (c) drying the green body; (d) firing the green body in nitrogen at a temperature of 1400Â° C. to 1600Â° C. for a time sufficient to obtain a silicon nitride-silicon carbide structure.