Abstract:
Resin-bonded Al–SiC composite was sintered at 1100, 1300, and 1500°C in the air, the oxidation mechanism was investigated. The reaction models were also established. The oxidation resistance of the Al–SiC composite was significantly enhanced with temperature increase. SiC in the exterior of the composite was partially oxidized slightly, while the transformation of metastable Al
4C
3 to stable Al
4SiC
4 existed in the interior. At 1100°C, Al in the interior reacted with residual C to form Al
4C
3. With increasing to 1300°C, high temperature and low oxygen partial pressure lead to active oxidation of SiC, and internal gas composition transforms to Al
2O(g) + CO(g) + SiO(g) as the reaction proceeds. After Al
4C
3 is formed, CO(g) and SiO(g) are continuously deposited on its surface, transforming to Al
4SiC
4. At 1500°C, a dense layer consisting of SiC and Al
4SiC
4 whiskers is formed which cuts off the diffusion channel of oxygen. The active oxidation of SiC is accelerated, enabling more gas to participate in the synthesis of Al
4SiC
4, eventually forming hexagonal lamellar Al
4SiC
4 with mutual accumulation between SiC particles. Introducing Al enhances the oxidation resistance of SiC. In addition, the
in situ generated non-oxide is uniformly dispersed on a micro-scale and bonds SiC stably.