Investigation of the effect of Al2O3–Y2O3–CaO (AYC) additives on sinterability, microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC matrix composites: A review

Abstract Appropriate properties of SiC ceramic such as high hardness, low density, high melting point and high elastic modulus make this material as a favorite candidate for different industrial applications. Although some disadvantages including high sintering temperature, low sinterability, and low fracture toughness have restricted the use of this material, previous studies showed that using Al2O3-Y2O3 additives plays an effective role in the improvement of sinterability as well as the enhancement of the properties of these composites. Moreover, the addition of CaO results in the acceleration of the formation of molten phase and the improvement of sinterability. In addition, the use of these additives cause the formation of the intermetallic phases of Al5Y3O12 (YAG) and CaY2O4 and by activating the mechanisms of crack deflection, crack bridging, phase transformation, strengthening the grain boundary and changing the fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular results in improved mechanical properties. This paper attempts to investigate the effect of using Al2O3–Y2O3–CaO (AYC) additives on sinterability, microstructure, and mechanical properties of SiC matrix composites including the composites reinforced with SiC fibers and SiC matrix nano-composites. Finally, the effect of the post-sintering annealing process under two conditions i.e., with and without applying pressure (pressureless sintering) on microstructure and mechanical properties has been studied.