SiC/SiC minicomposites with nanoscale multilayered fibre coatings

Pyrocarbon/silicon carbide (PyC/SiC)(n) nanoscale multilayers have been dep osited on Hi-Nicalon SiC fibres by means of pressure-pulsed CVI (P-CVI). Si C/SiC minicomposites reinforced with these coated tows were then manufactur ed by P-CVI. The mechanical behaviour under tension at room temperature and the lifetime under static fatigue at high temperature in air have been inv estigated. The minicomposites exhibited improved mechanical properties and oxidation resistance by comparison with their counterparts with a single la yer of pyrocarbon coating the fibres. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.