The mechanical properties of single crystal {alpha}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}

The ambient and high temperature mechanical properties of single crystal {alpha}{minus}Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} synthesized by chemical vapor deposition are reported. Crack patterns in the as-grown crystals and around Vicker`s indentations reveal that significant residual stresses develop during growth. Indentation studies indicate that the cleavage is essentially isotropic in {alpha}{minus}Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} at 25 C as well as at 1400 C. Transmission electron microscopy on crystals deformed at high temperatures, confirmed previous observation that high-temperature slip occurs primarily on (1011)[1120] system.