Process design and characterization of SiC composites reinforced by SiC nanowires

Silicon carbide nanowires (SiC_nw), owing to their single-crystal structure and good intrinsic mechanical and thermal properties, are considered promising reinforcement phase for SiC matrix composites. However, current approaches for integrating SiC_nw with SiC matrix composites—such as mixing with powders or precursors—often result in limited volume fractions, reduced nanowire integrity, and non-uniform dispersions. In this study, fabrication method involving the preformation of three-dimensional SiCnw network, followed by liquid-phase-assisted interface control and precursor infiltration and pyrolysis, was investigated. The influence of interfacial bonding on the densification, mechanical behavior, and thermal conductivity of resulting SiCnw/SiC composites was examined. Fracture morphology and toughening mechanisms associated with SiC_nw were analyzed. The results provide insights into structural role of SiC_nw in SiC composites and suggest potential directions for further optimization of microstructure–property relationships.