Influence of oxygen partial pressure on the wetting of SiC by a Co–Si alloy

In this investigation the influence of oxygen partial pressure PO2PO2 on the wetting of SiC by a Co–Si alloy was studied. Wetting experiments were carried out in argon with different oxygen contents (from 5 to 1000 ppm). The relationship between wetting and deoxidation of surfaces (SiC and Co–Si alloy) was investigated. Calculations were performed to evaluate the temperature range over which deoxidation is possible. These calculations are in agreement with the experimental results.