Effects of passing a direct current on densification of SiC ceramics with 10Â wt.% Al2O3 - Y2O3 as an additive

β - SiC powder mixed with 10 wt.% Al2O3 and Y2O3 powder in a molar ratio of 2: 3 was consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700-1900 °C. Three SPS routes were designed to contrast the effects of passing a strong direct current (DC) on the densification behavior of the SiC materials. The wetting of the Y - Al - Si - O liquid to the SiC particles was increased by the DC, hence better densification. The resultant SiC ceramic had a finer uniform microstructure and high flexural strength.