Characterization of the Microstructure of Three-Dimensional-Needled Carbon/Silicon Carbide Composites

Abstract

Three-dimensional-needled, carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites (C/SiC) were prepared by a chemical vapor infiltration and reactive melt infiltration method. It was found that two kinds of SiC existed in the C/SiC composites, that is, micro-β-SiC grains within the range of 5–15 μm and nano-β-SiC grains with a size of about 100 nm. The interface of C/SiC and the distribution of SiC showed evidence for the reaction mechanism of the reactive melt infiltration process.