Low temperature pressureless sintering of α-SiC with Al2O3 and CeO2 as additives

The combination of Al2O3 and CeO2 was testified as suitable sintering additive for liquid phase sintering of SiC ceramics, which has lower sintering temperature than that sintered with Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids. However, the mechanical properties including flexural strength, Vickers’ hardness and fracture toughness of this system were similar to those of the samples sintered with Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids. The good wettability of the eutectic liquid phase on SiC plate, the high solubility of SiC particles into the liquid phase and the penetration of the liquid phase along the SiC–SiC grain boundaries all confirmed the suitability of the combination of Al2O3 and CeO2 as liquid phase sintering additive for SiC.