Abstract
Cu-30 vol% SiC composites with relatively densified microstructure and a sound interface between the Cu and SiC phases were obtained by pressureless sintering of PCS-coated SiC and Cu powders. The coated SiC powders were prepared by thermal curing and pyrolysis of PCS. Thermal curing at $200^{\circ}C$ was performed to fabricate infusible materials prior to pyrolysis. The cured powders were heated treated up to $1600^{\circ}C$ for the pyrolysis process and for the formation of SiC crystals on the surface of the SiC powders. XRD analysis revealed that the main peaks corresponded to the ${\alpha}$-SiC phase; peaks for ${\beta}$-SiC were newly appeared. The formation of ${\beta}$-SiC is explained by the transformation of thermally-cured PCS on the surface of the initial ${\alpha}$-SiC powders. Using powder mixtures of coated SiC powder, hydrogen-reduced Cu-nitrate, and elemental Cu powders, Cu-SiC composites were fabricated by pressureless sintering at $1000^{\circ}C$. Microstructural observation for the sintered composites showed that the powder mixture of PCS-coated SiC and Cu exhibited a relatively dense and homogeneous microstructure. Conversely, large pores and separated interfaces between Cu and SiC were observed in the sintered composite using uncoated SiC powders. These results suggest that Cu-SiC composites with sound microstructure can be prepared using a PCS coated SiC powder mixture.
