Synthesis of mullite bonded porous SiC ceramics by a liquid precursor infiltration method: Effect of sintering temperature on material and mechanical properties

Mullite bonded porous SiC ceramics were synthesized by infiltrating a SIC porous compact with a liquid precursor of mullite followed by sintering at 1300-1500 degrees C in air. Different volume fractions (0-0.26%) of petroleum coke powder were used as pore former. SIC particles bonded by mullite and oxidation derived SiO2 formed an interconnected porous network. Porosity varied in a range of 31-48 vol%. The flexural strength and the Young's modulus of the porous ceramics varied in the ranges of 19.3-43.8 MPa and 16.6-42.9 GPa respectively and the mechanical property-porosity relationship could be explained by the minimum solid area (MSA) model. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved