Pigmented silicon nitride

摘要

A pigmented silicon nitride composition suitable for hot pressing into near shape articles of manufacture having a cosmetically uniform color. The composition comprises high purity, sub-micrometer, alpha silicon nitride powder mixed with a sintering aid and a pigmenting material. In a preferred embodiment the pigmenting material comprises molybdenum carbide, although carbides of other elements are applicable as well. The resulting hot pressed article is cosmetically superior to non-pigmented silicon nitride. Such articles are especially useful for processing semiconductor components where appearance in the form of color uniformity is a strict requirement for the manufacturer and the customer.