A Theoretical Estimate of Solution‐Precipitation Creep in MgO‐Fluxed Si ₃ N ₄

Abstract

The creep rate in MgO‐fluxed hot‐pressed Si 3 N 4 is calculated by means of a model which assumes a solution‐precipitation mechanism, and by using the kinetic data for the dissolution rate of β‐Si 3 N 4 in an Mg‐Si‐O‐N glass (which was obtained in independent experiments). Despite simplifying assumptions, the predictions match quite favorably with experimental measurements of creep in hot‐pressed Si 3 N 4 .