Joined Crystal of Silicon Carbide

Abstract

Stable shape of α-SiC bicrystal joined at (0001) or (1010) boundary and the shape of β-SiC bicrystal joined at (111) boundary is calculated supposing various grain boundary energy. The results obtained are compared with the knowledges already reported. Conclusions obtained are as follows:
1) The difficulty of sintering of highly pure SiC powder particles is mainly caused by the fact, the relaxation of surface energy by the formation of grain boundary being generally very small.
2) The dihedral angle between crystals joined at a certain grain boundary does not reflect the balance of surface tention or energy between surfaces and the grain boundary. It is to be recognized as a result appeared so as to relax total surface and grain boundary energy.
3) The surface tension of highly pure SiC crystal is considered to be fairly small in contrast with the surface energy, and it will not bear important role in the progress of sintering.