Thermal Shock Resistance of Liquid Phase Sintered SiC

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Y2O3:Al2O3 additives and sintering temperature on thermal shock resistance of silicon carbide sintered via liquid phase. Silicon carbide samples containing 10 mol% Y2O3:Al2O3 (1:3 and 1:4) were prepared, compacted and sintered at 1750, 1850 and 1950 °C in a graphite resistive furnace. Thermal shock resistance was evaluated after each thermal cycle performed at 600, 750 and 900 °C followed by abrupt cooling in water. Samples with two Y2O3:Al2O3 proportions did not show major differences when sintered at the same temperature, though, rising the sintering temperature improves Y2O3:Al2O3 modified-SiC thermal shock resistance.