Mechanical and dielectric properties of functionalized boron nitride nanosheets/silicon nitride composites

Uniformly dispersed boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) reinforced silicon nitride (Si3N4) composites were prepared by surface modification assisted flocculation combined with SPS sintering. In order to improve the dispersibility of the BNNSs in the composites, the liquid phase stripped BNNSs are surface functionalized by a twostep covalently modification. The amino-modified BNNSs (NH2-BNNSs) and Si3N4 powders have opposite surface potential, mixed evenly by electrostatic interaction during flocculation. The results showed that mechanical properties of Si3N4 composites were obviously enhanced by adding NH2-BNNSs. The fracture toughness and bending strength of Si3N4 composites added 0.75 wt% NH2-BNNSs were increased by 34% and 28%, respectively, compared with monolithic Si3N4. Toughening mechanisms are synergistic action of the torn, pull-out or bridging of BNNSs and crack deflection mechanisms with microstructural analyzes. The dielectric properties of the Si3N4 ceramics are also improved after the addition of NH2-BNNSs.