Multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced silicon carbide fibers prepared by polymer-derived ceramic route

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic fibers were successfully prepared by blending MWNTs (0–0.5 wt.%) with polycarbosilane, followed by melt spinning, curing, and pyrolysis. The MWNTs used in this study were modified with a chemical treatment. It was found that the MWNTs were well-dispersed in the matrix and aligned with the axis of the fibers after ultrasonic dispersion combined with melt spinning. Mechanical measurements revealed that significant improvement in Young’s modulus and tensile strength was achieved by incorporating MWNTs into the ceramic fibers. The addition of 0.5 wt.% MWNTs led to a 93.6% increase in the Young’s modulus and a 38.5% increase in the tensile strength.