Oxidation resistance of aligned carbon nanotube–reinforced silicon carbide composites

Vertically-aligned carbon nanotube–reinforced SiC composites (VACNT/SiC) were prepared via a combined chemical vapor deposition/chemical vapor infiltration process. Thermal oxidation tests, showed the material to undergo virtually no mass loss up to 1400 °C in air, hence indicating excellent oxidation resistance of the composites within the target temperature range of advanced ceramics applications. Microstructural observation demonstrated complete absence of matrix cracks in the surface of VACNT/SiC. A large number of VACNTs having undergone pull-out were observed, a finding which indicated the tubes׳ survival after exposure to the oxidative environment of 1400 °C in air.