The mechanical characterization of microwave sintered zinc oxide disks is reported. The microwave sintering was done with a specially designed applicator placed in a domestic microwave oven operating at a frequency of 2⋅ ⋅45 GHz to a maximum power output of 800 Watt. These samples with a wide variation of density and hence, of open pore volume percentage, were characterized in terms of its elastic modulus determination by ultrasonic time of flight measurement using a 15 MHz transducer. In addition, the load dependence of the microhardness was examined for the range of loads 0⋅ ⋅1-20 N. Finally, the fracture toughness data (K IC) was obtained using the indentation technique.

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The present work deals with the sintering of SiC with a low melting additive by microwave technique. The mechanical characteristics of the products were compared with that of conventionally sintered products. The failure stress of the microwave sintered products, in biaxial flexure, was superior to that of the products made by conventional sintering route in ambient condition. In firing of products by conventionally sintered process, SiC grain gets oxidized producing SiO 2 (∼ ∼ 32 wt%) and deteriorates the quality of the product substantially. Partially sintered silicon carbide by such a method is a useful material for a varieties of applications ranging from kiln furniture to membrane material.

SiC ceramic filters are used to remove particulates from hot flue gases for protection of downstream turbine and regulation of particulate emission in advanced coal-fired thermal power plants, chemical plants, waste incineration systems, biomass gasification plants, etc. [1][2][3][4][5] SiC ceramic filters are used as they have high strength, low thermal expansion coefficient, and excellent thermal shock resistance and are highly durable and reliable. Investigations on measurement of mechanical properties , thermal shock resistance, and corrosion resistance of the ceramics are reported and they are conducted mostly for commercial filters. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Studies on determination of filtration efficiency and the effects of temperature, dust properties, dust cake formation, cleaning cycles, etc., on the pressure drop of the filters were also carried out. [16][17][18][19][20] Successful operation of commercial filters at severe conditions and at higher temperatures for long duration is still an issue and for this the intrinsic material properties of filters need to be looked in depth. The fundamental limitations of such filters are often related to pore-related characteristics, composition, mechanical, and thermal properties. 19 Continuous efforts are afoot for development of SiC ceramic filters with improved properties; however, very limited information is available about such developmental activities. Commonly available