Pressureless sintering and elastic constants of Al2O3-SiC 'nanocomposites'

Journal article

A study is presented of how to obtain very near theoretical densities (≥99-6%) in Al2O3-SiC 'nanocomposites' by pressureless sintering. Several factors are considered in order to achieve the optimal densification. The most important factors are: good dispersion of SiC particles in the matrix, cold-isostatic pressing of green samples and use of a relatively coarse-sized bedding powder (which allows efficient effusion of carbon monoxide from the sample), correct choice of sintering temperature (which depends on the size of alumina particles), and the use of a nitrogen atmosphere during sintering. The elastic constants of the nanocomposites produced depend on the degree of densification. About 2% reduction from theoretical density leads to about a 6% reduction of the Young's modulus. The experimentally obtained moduli are correlated with three models that relate porosity to Young's modulus. © 1997 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.

Authors: Anya, C; Roberts, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 565-573
• Publication date: 1997-01-01
• DOI: 10.1016/S0955-2219(96)00092-1
• ISSN: 0955-2219
• Language: English