In-situ synthesis and characterization of SiC - Al₂O ₃ composites

Alumina-silicon carbide composites have been synthesized in-situ in a microwave reactor by two different methods, namely, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) and direct pyrolysis of a alumina-polymer mixture (DPP). The percentage of silicon carbide in alumina has been limited to a maximum of 10 Vol. %. In the PIP method, polycarbosilane (PCS) is converted to SiC in an alumina porous compact during the sintering process. On the other hand, the DPP method allows easy conversion of PCS to SiC in an alumina powder matrix. The reacted materials have been characterized by various analytical techniques. The PIP method can produce very fine, homogenous porosity distribution inside alumina compacts that can be potentially useful for gas separation applications.