Ultra-low temperature synthesis of Al4SiC4 powder using spark plasma sintering

Using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process, Al4SiC4 powder was synthesized at a temperature 550 degrees C lower and for one-sixth of the holding time compared with the conventional heating method. The extrusion of molten raw powder and the temperature overshoot could be prevented by modifying the mold. The increase in maximum applicable temperature for powder synthesis was another benefit of the new mold. The synthesis temperature and time decreased with increasing size of the mold as a result of the effect of high current during SPS. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.