High resolution techniques and application to non-oxide ceramics. [Si--Al--O--N system]

The microstructure of ceramic materials can now be observed directly at the atomic level by using high-resolution electron microscopy. These techniques are described in detail, and the type of new information that they are revealing about the structure of ceramics is illustrated with examples drawn from investigations of hot-pressed silicon nitrides, sintered silicon carbide, and a ''Sialon'' system. 15 figures