In situ growth of a carbon interphase between carbon fibres and a polycarbosilane-derived silicon carbide matrix

An in situ grown carbon interphase between C fibres and a SiC matrix has been produced by impregnation and pyrolysis of a polycarbosilane–xylene solution. The microstructures of the carbon interphase and the effects on the mechanical properties of the C fibre reinforced SiC (C/SiC) composites were investigated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the carbon interphase was a turbostratic carbon with high porosity. The resulting C/SiC composites were found to exhibit improved mechanical properties with respect to the interphase-free composite.