Development of a SiNx-based barrier coating for SiC fibres

Uncoated SiC fibres in SiC/SiC composites manufactured by the liquid-silicon infiltration (LSI) process show a strong degradation as a result of silicon attack. The goal of this research is the development of a SiNx-based fibre coating, which acts as a barrier against the liquid silicon. The coating is applied by means of low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) utilising the gaseous precursors silane (SiH4) and ammonia (NH3) on a commercial SiC multifilament yarn. The result is an amorphous fibre coating with an increasing coating thickness and a variable chemical composition from the middle of the yarn to the edges. The coated fibres exhibit a reduced characteristic Weibull strength in comparison to the uncoated fibres. In order to examine the stability of the films, the coated fibres undergo a heat treatment at 1450 °C in different environments (vacuum, argon and nitrogen). In all environments, the amorphous SiNx coatings crystallise to the trigonal Si3N4. Depending on the coating thickness cracks and defects develop. However, the best results and the lowest amount of damaging occurs during the treatment in nitrogen