Processes to Improve Wettability

SIC can be deposited using CHsSiCb with H2 at 1200°C and Ar as an inert diluent [30], but this high temperature does degrade the fibers. The reaction can be represented as  

However, this is considerably oversimplified and SiCb and —CH2 are also formed [31] which can react further  

TiN can also be applied from a solution of Ti(NMe2)4 in hexane. 

2 Liquid metai transfer agent (LMTA) technique 

Carbon fiber is immersed in molten Cu or Sn (liquid metal transfer agent) in which a refractory element (W, Cr, Ti) is dissolved. The molten Cu or Sn must not attack the carbon fiber and the transfer agent is removed by dissolving in liquid A1 (e.g. Cu/10%Ti at 1050°C or Sn/l%Ti at 900-1050°C) [33]. This process produces a wire preform, which can be used to fabricate an A1 matrix composite. 

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