The closing of micro-pipes during solution growth was investigated theoretically, and it was shown that both the mechanical and surface energies were similar for the open and closed defect geometries. It was concluded that capillary action should be the predominant mechanism in the elimination of micro-pipes during liquid-phase growth. A model for planar macro-defect formation was presented which indicated that these defects were the result of negative crystal growth.

Analysis of the Formation and Elimination of Filamentary and Planar Voids in Silicon Carbide Bulk Crystals. D.Hofmann, M.Bickermann, W.Hartung, A.Winnacker: Materials Science Forum, 2000, 338-342, 445-8