Patent ID: 6110855
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: C04B,C23C

Abstract:
A process for strengthening an alumina based ceramic, comprising:(a) providing an alumina based ceramic having a surface;(b) exposing an external source of silicon separate from said alumina based ceramic selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide platelets and silicon carbide powder to an atmosphere consisting essentially of hydrogen and water vapor to form an atmosphere consisting essentially of silicon monoxide gas; and(c) exposing said alumina based ceramic to the silicon monoxide atmosphere for a period of time sufficient and at a temperature of from about 1300.degree. to 1500.degree. C. to produce a silicon-containing film consisting essentially of the compound 3Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2 at said surface of said ceramic that increases the strength of said ceramic.