Strength Improvement of CVD SiC Fibers by Electrochemical Surface Treatment

An electrochemical sudece-treatment method has been used for modifying surface condition of large diameter CVD SiC (W core) fibers. The average tensile strength of the fibers was increased obviously from 2270.1 to 3002.9 MPa. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies on the treated fiber sudece indicate that a silicon-oxide film (primarily α-SiO2) has formed,accompanying the precipitation of amorphous carbon as the products of an anode oxidation reaction. In addition, the substantial increase of fiber strength through the electrochemical treatment may be described to the formation of oxide films and elimination of defects on the fiber surface.