Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabrication of a porous refractory ceramic product made from SiC, by heat treatment and sintering at high temperature, starting from a fraction of fine particles of SiC and from a fraction of larger-sized particles of SiC, said process being characterized in that, in a step preliminary to the heat treatment and to the sintering at high temperature, the finest particles of SiC are agglomerated then, in a second step, the granules thus obtained are added to the SiC powder with particles of larger size. The invention also relates to a porous body made from recrystallized SiC in an essentially ? form, in particular a particulate filter for automobile application, obtained by such a process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabrication of a porous refractory ceramic product made from SiC, by heat treatment and sintering at high temperature, starting from a fraction of fine particles of SiC and from a fraction of larger-sized particles of SiC, said process being characterized in that, in a step preliminary to the heat treatment and to the sintering at high temperature, the finest particles of SiC are agglomerated then, in a second step, the granules thus obtained are added to the SiC powder with particles of larger size. The invention also relates to a porous body made from recrystallized SiC in an essentially ? form, in particular a particulate filter for automobile application, obtained by such a process.

Abstract: Silicon carbide is produced in two steps in that silicon dioxide and a carbon source in a first step is reacted at a temperature in the range of 1500-1800.degree. C., whereby the silicon dioxide and the carbon source react to form .beta.-silicon carbide. The resulting .beta.-silicon carbide formed is subsequently treated at a temperature of 1800-2300.degree. C. for conversion of the .beta.-silicon carbide into the desired end product, via .alpha.-silicon carbide.