Abstract
The self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method can be used to fabricate numerous ceramics in a very short time by taking advantage of exothermic reaction. In case of SiC, the heat released from exothermic reaction is not sufficient to convert the mixed powders of Si and C into SiC completely in the actual non-adiabatic system. This disadvantage could be overcome by a new ignition process, which we call "direct passing method of electric current". By using this method, stoichiometric β-SiC could be obtained efficiently with low electric power. The obtained β-SiC powder was sintered by using highpressure hot-pressing without additives and the properties of the compact were examined. The relative density, Vickers microhardness and fracture toughness of the β-SiC compact at room temperature were 98.0-98.6%, 35-36 GN/m2 and 5.6 MN/m3/2, respectively.
