Sintered ceramic articles and method for production thereof

摘要

Sintered ceramic articles and a method for the production thereof are disclosed. When a shaped Si3N4 ceramic article is sintered in the presence of SiO2 or a SiO2-containing substance in an inactive gas atmosphere, there is obtained a sintered ceramic article having the surface thereof coated with a thin layer formed preponderantly of silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O). The sintered ceramic article of this invention excels in resistance to elevated temperatures, particularly temperatures exceeding 1200 DEG C., and enjoys a good surface condition.