LAUSR

Abstract We have prepared porous silicon carbide by a novel two-step template method. Graphite/SiC composites of required size and shape are first fabricated by hot pressing at 2125 °C, followed by the removal of the graphite template by controlled heat treatment. The anisotropy in the composite structure is restored after the removal of the template and porous SiC with anisotropic properties is obtained. The composite can be easily machined by electrical discharge machining because of the presence of graphite, and porous SiC can be obtained by heat treatment, solving the inherent difficulty in the machining of SiC. The mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal shock resistance of porous SiC have been studied in both directions. The material shows good thermal shock resistance in the perpendicular to pressing direction even at 1400 °C. Hence porous SiC suitably machined preserving the proper direction can be a potential candidate for thermal cycling applications.