Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
A process for the preparation of fiber-reinforced SiC composites by chemical vapor deposition has been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Composites are prepared by infiltrating fibrous preforms with reactant gases that decompose at elevated temperatures to deposit silicon carbide between and around the fibers. Because the infiltration process utilizes both temperature and pressure gradients, SiC is deposited under conditions that vary considerably from the hot face to the cool face of the composite. Matrix characterization of composite samples by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy are described.