Effects of passing a direct current on densification of SiC ceramics with 10 wt.% Al2O3 – Y2O3 as an additive.

β – SiC powder mixed with 10 wt.% Al 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3 powder in a molar ratio of 2: 3 was consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700–1900 °C. Three SPS routes were designed to contrast the effects of passing a strong direct current (DC) on the densification behavior of the SiC materials. The wetting of the Y – Al – Si – O liquid to the SiC particles was increased by the DC, hence better densification. The resultant SiC ceramic had a finer uniform microstructure and high flexural strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]