Abstract
Microstructure and pore-size distribution of the porous CaZrO3/MgO in situ composites were modified by the addition of SiC. A porous composite with bimodal pore-size distribution (peaks at -1 μm and-17μm, porosity Vp=59%) was obtained by the pressureless reactive sintering of CaMg(CO3)2 (dolomite), ZrO2 and SiC mixtures with a small amount of LiF in air. In an oxidative sintering atmosphere, SiC presumably acted as a "precursor" of SiO2 at elevated temperatures, and contributed to the "partial" liquid phase sintering in the powder compact.
