OXIDATION RESISTANT CARBON BODY AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

摘要

The invention relates to an oxidation resistant carbon body comprising a body of carbon into the surface of which has been provided an etched and filled layer extending to a predetermined depth in the body. The layer substantially comprises silicon carbide and silicon boride. A method for producing an oxidation resistant carbon body is also disclosed. The method comprises heating a carbon body to a temperature of at least about 1500.degree.C, contacting the carbon body with gaseous boron oxide to etch the surface of the carbon body to a predetermined depth forming interstices therein to comprise a substantial void volume up to about 50% of the volume originally occupied by the carbon body to the predetermined depth, and filling the interstices in the carbon body with a silicon or a silicon alloy to substantially eliminate the void volume.