In-situ synthesis of oxygen free SiC fibers and ropes by electron beam melting

The SiC fibers, ropes and columnar-like fibers have been synthesized on the substrate of Co-based DSX40M alloy by electron beam (EB) melting. The fibers have been prepared from the SiC particles under high vacuum. The microstructure of the SiC fibers, ropes and columnar-like fibers has been investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) having energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) as an attachment. The coating of Co, Cr and Ni is observed on the surface of the SiC fibers, ropes and columnar-like fibers. A slight charging is observed in the case of the ropes while the columnar-like fibers and small size woven fibers did not show this effect suggesting the semiconducting nature of the ropes.