Inverted SiC nanoneedles grown on carbon fibers by a two-crucible method without catalyst

► Inverted SiC nanoneedles were grown on the surface of carbon fibers without catalyst. ► The spindle portion of the needle-like structure was sticked into the carbon fibers. ► The nanoneedle has a smooth surface with hexagonal cross-sections perpendicular to the growth direction. ► The growth mechanism is proposed to be a screw dislocations mechanism and vapor-solid mechanism meanwhile.