The interphase and interface microstructure and chemistry of isothermal/isobaric chemical vapour infiltration SiC/BN/SiC composites: TEM and electron energy loss studies

Abstract

The boron nitride interphase and its interfaces in two-dimensional-SiC/BN/SiC composites have been analysed by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. BN was deposited by isothermal/isobaric chemical vapour infiltration from BCl3–NH3–H2 mixture at moderate temperature. BN and the fibre/BN interface exhibit different features depending on the nature of the NicalonTM fibre surface, raw or treated prior to the BN deposition. When untreated fibres are used, a carbon-rich layer and silica clusters are formed during the manufacturing of the composite. In that case, the interphase is poorly organized and presents a porous microstructure and a large carbon content. With the treated NicalonTM fibre, no formation of a new interlayer is observed at the fibre–BN interface and the interphase exhibits a better organized turbostratic microstructure with no voids. Additionally, in both types of composites, a carbon-rich layer is formed at the BN–matrix interface during the SiC infiltration step at about 1000 °C.