Microstructure and mechanical properties of the spark plasma sintered TaC/SiC composites

► Dense TaC/SiC composites with 5-40 vol.% α-SiC particles were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. ► The densifying process was consisted of two stages. ► Adding SiC enhanced elimination of the closed porosity. ► The 40 vol.% SiC composition had good flexural strength at both room temperature and 1400 °C.