The microstructure and hardness of silicon carbide synthesized by plasma pressure compaction

Using fine powders of silicon and carbon, silicon carbide was synthesized a nd compacted using the technique of plasma pressure compaction ((PC)-C-2). The test samples were obtained by consolidating the powder particles at tem peratures of 1400 and 1800 degrees C. Microhardness measurements revealed a n increase with an increase in temperature of compaction and increased hold time. The conjoint influence of temperature and time of hold at temperatur e on microstructural development and hardness is presented and discussed. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.