Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Vol.86, No.6, 910-914, 2003
Porous 2H-silicon carbide ceramics fabricated by carbothermal reaction between silicon nitride and carbon
Porous SiC ceramics were synthesized by sintering pressed and pressed/CIPed powder compacts of alpha-Si3N4 carbon (Si3N4:C = 1:3 mol as ratio), and sintering aids, at 1600degreesC for few hours to achieve a reaction, and subsequently sintering at a temperature range of 1750degrees-1900degreesC, in an argon atmosphere. High porosities from 45%-65% were achieved by low shrinkage with large weight loss. Formation of pure 2H-SiC phase via a reaction between Si3N4 and carbon can be demonstrated by X-ray diffractometry. The resultant porous SiC samples were characterized by SiC grain microstructures, pore-size distribution, and flexural strength. This method has the advantage of fabricating high-porous SiC ceramics with fine microstructure and good properties at a relatively low temperature.