beta - SiC powder mixed with 10 wt.% Al2O3 and Y2O3 powder in a molar ratio of 2: 3 was consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700-1900 degrees C. Three SPS routes were designed to contrast the effects of passing a strong direct current (DC) on the densification behavior of the SiC materials. The wetting of the Y- Al - Si - O liquid to the SiC particles was increased by the DC, hence better densification. The resultant SiC ceramic had a finer uniform microstructure and high flexural strength. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.