Abstract
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This paper details supplementary characteristics of the nano-scale inclusions recently discovered in ��-sialon grains in a Sm �����-����� composite material given a post-preparative heat-treatment at 1450��C. In addition to heat-treated materials, the features were also observed in the 'as-sintered' billet. While many inclusions were distributed randomly, some were organized into planar arrays. The nature of many features concur with those of the grain boundary glass in the 'as-sintered' material, thereby hinting that these inclusions are composed of entrapped grain boundary liquid. Furthermore, it is suggested that the inclusions may result from the ����� ��� ����� transformation, insofar as they may possess some of the species that constitute the difference in composition between the two phases. �� 1997 Trans Tech Publications.