Effect of SiC Addition on Sintering Behavior and Properties of Indium Tin Oxide

The sintering behavior of ITO ceramics with the addition of fine and coarse SiC was studied. SiC addition promoted the densification of ITO during early stage sintering compared to pure ITO. On the other hand, the addition of SiC resulted in the development of numerous pores in the microstructures due to the oxidation of SiC during sintering. In particular, swelling of the samples, which lead to an expansion of the sample, was observed when 1.0 wt% of fine SiC was added. Fine SiC particles are believed oxidize faster than coarse SiC particles, and SiC oxidation during sintering resulted in a low density and high porosity regardless of the SiC particle size.