Jy. Kim et al., Microstructure and mechanical properties of alpha-silicon carbide sinteredwith yttrium-aluminum garnet and silica, J AM CERAM, 82(2), 1999, pp. 441-444
The effect of glassy-phase chemistry, using Y3Al5O12 (YAG) and SiO2 as sint
ering additives, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of liquid-
phase-sintered, and subsequently annealed, alpha-SiC materials was investig
ated. The microstructural development of annealed materials was insensitive
to changes in glass chemistry. The mechanical properties vs SiO2/YAG ratio
curve had a maximum; i.e., there was a small glass composition range at wh
ich optimum mechanical properties were realized, The best results were obta
ined when the ratio was similar to 0.5. The flexural strength and fracture
toughness of the material were >450 MPa and >6 MPa.m(1/2), respectively.