Characterization of Pseudo-Porous SiC/C Coatings on Nextel™440 and Nicalon™ Fibers

Abstract

Pseudo-porous SiC/C coatings were deposited on Nextel™440 and Nicalon™ fibers by CVD. The morphology and chemistry of the coatings was evaluated, both before and after oxidation, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger spectroscopy. Coated fibers were subjected to two different oxidation treatments to assess coating stability: a) oxidation at 600°C for 20 hours, and b) oxidation at 1000°C for 20 hours. Pseudo-porous SiC/C on Nicalon™ fibers appear to be more oxidation resistant than the same coatings on Nextel™440 fibers.