the authors describe the bending strength of single-phase beta -sialon with z=2 fabricated from a spray-dried mixture of si/sub 3/n/sub 4/, aln and al(oi-pr)/sub 3/ solution. the bending strength of as-ground specimens was approximately 730 mn m/sup -2/. the strength of specimens after heat-treatment at 1200 degrees c for 2 h in air increased to 1060 mn m/sup -2/ and became almost twice the value reported for conventional beta -sialon materials. all fracture origins were surface flaws introduced by grinding in comparison those of conventional beta -sialon were defects, assumed to originate from inhomogeneous mixing and dispersion of the starting materials. the homogeneous microstructure could be one reason why this beta -sialon showed a much higher bending strength than is usual for conventional beta -sialon. also, as all fracture origins were surface grinding flaws, it is assumed that more-careful surface finishing will result in an increased bending strength of the material