Silicon Carbide Ceramics for Armor Applications: A Review of Sintering Methods and Additive Systems

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics are among the most attractive materials for lightweight armor because they combine low density (3.0-3.2 g/cm³), high hardness, and high thermal and chemical stability; however, their densification remains challenging because of strong covalent bonding and low self-diffusion. This review analyzes the main sintering routes used for armor-grade SiC ceramics, including solid-state sintering, liquid-phase sintering, hot pressing, gas-pressure sintering, hot-isostatic pressing, ultra-high-pressure sintering, two-step sintering, and spark plasma sintering, together with additive systems based on B, C, Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃, MgO, CaO, and rare-earth oxides. Reported data show that solid-state sintering typically requires 2100-2300 °C and yields 90-95% relative density, whereas hot pressing and liquid-phase sintering achieve 96-99% density at lower temperatures, generally with a flexural strength of 350-800 MPa, fracture toughness of 3.5-7.0 MPa·m^1/2, and hardness of 20-30 GPa. Among the reviewed methods, spark plasma sintering provides near-theoretical density (≥99%) together with the most favorable combination of strength (up to 850 MPa) and hardness (up to 35 GPa). Overall, liquid-phase sintering and spark plasma sintering offer the most favorable balance between densification, microstructural control, and armor-relevant mechanical performance.