Blowing of silica microforms on silicon carbide

Silicon carbide ceramics have great potential for use in harsh environment applications, however many technical challenges still need to be addressed, including high temperature stability. The oxidation of SiC in air up to temperatures of 2053 K was conducted and resulted in the formation of a thermally grown silica scale that does not prove to be protective for very high temperature applications because of its rapid degradation. Examination of the oxide scale using scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of striking features formed in a manner analogous to conventional glass blowing techniques. These features occurred for oxidation temperatures of at least 1773 K. The interfacial reaction between SiC and the oxide scale is responsible for the production of gases that must somehow escape. If the viscosity of the silica scale is low enough then it can be deformed freely by this pressure buildup.