Ceramics-Silikáty 24, (4) 321 - 328 (1980)

The effect of nitrogen pressure on the final stage of nitridation of silicon powder compacts at temperatures above the melting point of silicon was studied. On the basis of the time course of the process established, as well as on that of the dependence of the kinetic constant on nitrogen pressure, and of the phase composition of the products, it is suggested that under the given conditions the nitrogen pressure affects in particular the rate of formation of β-Si₃N₄ and that above the melting point of silicon the formation of β-Si₃N₄ is controlled by the process on the reaction boundary.