Pressureless flash sintering of ?-SiC: Electrical characteristics and densification

The application of an electric field over a ceramic powder compact at elevated temperatures gives rise to “flash sintering”. phenomenon occurs critical combination and temperature, which leads rapid increase in the power dissipated within sample. This results sample densification far shorter timescales than those required with conventional sintering. paper reports first successful pressureless flash sintering SiC B C aids. Mean relative densities up 94.4% have been achieved several minutes using alumina tube furnace 1500°C. temperature during was similar used for (2100-2200 °C). electrical response event consistent thermal runaway. However, negative coefficient resistivity responsible runaway originated primarily from effects sintering, contrast case oxide ceramics. attributed heating formation liquid phase. densest specimen had grain size 5.9 µm ± 0.5 Vickers hardness (HV5) 24.7 GPa GPa. These values were conventionally sintered specimens same but production time samples reduced by more 6 h lower 700°C.