Reticulated porous silicon nitride-based ceramics

The interest towards porous silicon nitride originates from the unique combination of light weight, of mechanical and physical properties typical of this ceramic that makes it attractive for many engineering applications. Although even few pores are generally believed to deteriorate the mechanical properties of ceramics (strength decreases exponentially increasing porosity), largely porous ceramics, such as silicon nitride can exhibit outstanding mechanical properties even at certain porosity levels, such as heat resistance and chemical resistance, damage tolerance, the thermal shock resistance and the strain tolerance. Experiences on producing silicon nitride porous monoliths with tailored structures and a high porosity content (>70%) have been carried out, taking into account "smart solutions for ceramics from cooking suggestions", using non-toxic and environmentally friendly organic additives. Some physical properties are reported and discussed in terms of microstructure and fabrication process.