Preparation of modified silicon carbide powder with high dispersibility for slip casting

Silicon carbide (SiC) powder was modified with γ-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (KH590) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The effects of modification were investigated following viscosity measurements, which confirmed the high dispersibility in water of the modified SiC powder. The maximum solids content of the slurry prepared using the modified SiC powder (ca. 76% vol.) was determined after optimization of the modification conditions. Overall, the results of viscosity and solid content indicate that the proposed modifications result in a SiC powder that is superior compared to that prepared by the Saint-Gobain's method.