Mullite whisker reinforced Al 2 O 3 -SiC composites were in situ synthesized by microwave sintering at 1500°C for 30 min. The influence of SiC particle size on heating process and properties of Al 2 O 3 -SiC composite were investigated. The XRD and SEM techniques were carried out to characterize the samples. The thermal shock resistance and flexural strength of the samples were examined through water quenching and three-point bending methods, respectively. It was found that the bridging of mullite whisker appeared between Al 2 O 3 and SiC particles which enhanced the thermal shock resistance. A so-called local hot spot effect was proposed dependent on the coupling of SiC particles with microwave, which was the unique feature of microwave sintering. The maximal thermal shock resistance and flexural strength were obtained for the samples with SiC particle size of ∼5 µm.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.