Development of SiC-SiC joint by reaction bonding method using SiC/C tapes as the interlayer

SiC/C tapes with different compositions and thicknesses were used to join pressureless sintered silicon carbide ceramics by reaction bonding method. The microstructure of the joints and the influences of joint thickness and residual silicon content in joint layer on the 4-point flexural strength of as joined SiC ceramics have been investigated. Specimens with high flexural strength can be achieved through the control of the composition and the thickness of the joint layer. The highest flexural strength of the joined specimens with the joint thickness of 13 mu m can reach 346 +/- 35 MPa and 439 +/- 31 MPa at room temperature and 1250 degrees C, respectively. The microstructure development and the reaction bonding mechanism were also studied. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.