Addition of Y2O3 as a sintering additive to porous beta-SiAlON (Si6-zAlzOzN8-z, z = 0.5) ceramics has been investigated for improved mechanical properties. Porous SiAlON ceramics with 0.05-0.15 wt% (500-1500 wppm) Y2O3 were fabricated by pressureless sintering at temperatures of 1700degrees, 1800degrees, and 1850degreesC. The densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties were compared with those of Y2O3-free ceramics of the same chemical composition. Although this level of Y2O3 addition did not change the phase formation and grain size, the grain bonding appeared to be promoted, and the densification to be enhanced. There was a significant increase in the flexural strength of the SiAlON ceramics relative to the Y2O3-free counterpart. After exposure in 1M hydrochloric acid solution at 70degreesC for 120 h, no remarkable weight loss and degradation of the mechanical properties (flexural and compression strength) was observed, which was attributed to the limited grain boundary phase, and with the minor Y2O3 addition the supposed formation of Y-alpha-SiAlON.