Method for the preparation of silicon carbide-carbon fiber composite

摘要

A novel method is disclosed for the preparation of a silicon carbide-based composite ceramic body reinforced with carbon fibers having an outstandingly high mechanical strength. The method comprises impregnating carbon fibers with a mixture of fine silicon particles and a thermosetting resin such as a phenolic resin to give a carbon fiber compact body impregnated with the mixture, which is then subjected to a heat treatment at about 1400 degrees C. in an inert atmosphere so that the thermosetting resin is thermally decomposed to produce free carbon capable of reacting with the silicon particles without affecting the carbon fibers embedded in the matrix due to the preferential reactivity of the silicon particles with the free carbon produced from the resin thus not to decrease the recinforcing effect of the carbon fibers.