Microstructure and nanoindentation properties of surface textures obtained by laser machining and molding in silicon carbide

A surface texture consisting of an array of holes in SiC components was obtained by either conventional molding in the green state or post sintering laser machining. According to microstructural analysis, very regular holes were obtained by laser machining with minimal microstructural damage. Irregular holes with defects and voids were instead found for the surface textures obtained via molding. Nanoindentation tests were performed in the areas close to the holes and no significant alteration of the mechanical properties was found after laser machining. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.