Synthesis of nanostructured SiC coatings on carbon fibres by in situ reaction sintering with milled powders

A homogeneous and continuous nanostructured SiC coating on the surfaces of T700 and M40 carbon fibres was synthesized by in situ reaction sintering at 1450 °C with the milled Si and C powders, and the coating was characterized. The results show that the slurry is easier to stick to the surface of M40 carbon fibres than that of T700 carbon fibres. A homogeneous, continuous and crack-free nanostructured SiC coating is formed on the surface of these two kinds of carbon fibres. The SiC coating is composed of huge amounts of nanometric SiC crystals. Coatings with thickness of about 30 nm and 150 nm were fabricated. Carbon fibres with SiC coating whose thickness is about 30 nm display good flexibility.