Matrix Filling Behavior of SiCf/SiC Composite by Whiskering and the CVI Process

In-situ whisker growing and then matrix filling (called whiskering process) was applied to reduce the porosity in make SiC f /SiC composite that is mainly due to a canning. Whiskers grew well in the voids both between fibers and between bundles. The morphology of the grown whisker was dependent upon the reaction temperature. The grown whiskers served to divide the large voids and then the matrix filling was performed inside the modified pore structure. MTS (CH 3 SiCl 3 ) and H 2 were used as source and diluent gases, respectively. Density and flexural strength of SiC f /SiC composites fabricated by the whiskering process were higher than those by a conventional CVI process. These results suggest that improved SiC f /SiC composites can be fabricated using this process.