Production and characterization of C and SiC layers on C fibres

The construction, testing and operation of a semi-technical system for the multi-stage coating of endless fibres by means of thermally-activated CVD is described. One objective of this is to apply layer systems under conditions similar to those used in production with long-term reproducibility. Rovings coated in this way, for example, are made of high-tensile carbon fibres, and used as reinforcing components in the manufacture of modern composite materials. Research programs and laboratory test batches are characterized extensively by methods of surface and solid state analysis such as SEM, TEM, AES, XPS and RAMAN. Analytical investigations are supplemented by strength measurements made at several sites on the fibre coating and on the later application.