Decomposition reactions in the SiC-Al-Y-O system during gas pressure sintering

The substantial densification, that occurred in the SiC-Al-Y-O system was explained in the present work by analysing possible chemical reactions and their dependence on initial particle associations, i.e. homogeneity of mixing, the physical and chemical state of additives, pressurised sintering environment over the reactants and temperature of sintering. Hydroxyhydrogel powder precursors were found to be better than mechanically mixed SiC-YAG powder and pre-forming of YAG by holding the specimens at the temperature of 1400 degreesC for 2 h were found to be the best. Decomposition reactions within the system could be controlled by using finer SIC and applying gas pressure over the reactants. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.