Non-oxide ceramic nanocomposites with multifunctionality

Two types of Aluminum nitride (AlN) based ceramic nanocomposite with multifunctionality were investigated to improve machinability or electrical conductivity of AlN ceramics with high thermal conductivity. The AlN/BN nanocomposite was fabricated by hot-pressing AlN-BN composite powder, which was prepared by reducing and heating AlN particles containing a mixture of boric acid, urea and carbon. The nanocomposite containing 20 vol.% BN showed high strength, good machinability and relatively high thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the sintered AlN ceramics with CeO₂ as an additive indicated high thermal conductivity and electric conductivity which is possible for electric discharge machining.