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reaction of silicon carbide

updated sun 19 sep 99

 

Tom Buck on sat 18 sep 99

Martin H:
I've tried it without success at C6 oxidation electric (my SiC is
too coarse, just gave blisters). But I intend to try again soon on a raku
pot. I do not expect top results but in raku it don't matter as much as
long as the pot stays together.
There are problems: 1) To get copper red from SiC & Cu2O (or
equal) the two must be intimately mixed, and 2) Both powders must be
sub-micron (very very fine), and 3) there must be some fluxing agents
around too to promote the decomposition of the SiC at a lower temperature
than it would by itself... its melting pt is ultra high 2700 oC approx.
but usually it sublimes or decomposes before it melts.
For your use, as a wash on a biscuit, I suggest you add 5-10%
borate frit to your mix of copper compound and SiC (1000 mesh if you can
find it), and give it a whirl. Then tell us all about the test.
BFN. Peace. Tom.

Tom Buck ) tel: 905-389-2339
(westend Lake Ontario, province of Ontario, Canada).
mailing address: 373 East 43rd Street,
Hamilton ON L8T 3E1 Canada