Densification-Induced Chemical Reorganization and Mechanical Enhancement in Amorphous Si2BC3N

Abstract

The atomistic mechanisms that govern the mechanical performance of amorphous silicon-boron carbonitride (SiBCN) ceramics remain insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the role of density. Here, we employ ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the structural evolution and mechanical response of low-density (LDA, 2.20 g/cm3) and high-density (HDA, 2.53 g/cm3) amorphous Si2BC3N prepared via melt-quench. The HDA phase exhibits markedly higher atomic packing and network connectivity, accompanied by a nontrivial chemical reorganization. Densification significantly enhances heteronuclear bonding-especially Si-C coordination-while suppressing C-C and Si-Si homopolar bonds. These changes yield substantial mechanical strengthening: the HDA phase exhibits a 48% increase in bulk modulus (130 GPa vs. 88 GPa), along with elevated Young's (266 GPa) and shear (112 GPa) moduli. Our findings reveal a clear density-structure-property relationship in amorphous SiBCN, demonstrating that densification suppresses weak self-bonded motifs and promotes a robust, interconnected atomic network. This insight provides a pathway for designing high-performance amorphous SiBCN ceramics for extreme-environment applications.