The formation of refractory oxide coatings on Nicalon™ fiber by sol-gel process

Sols of alumina, zirconia, titania and their mixes may be used as simple and readily processable precursors for ceramic interfacial coatings on SiC-based Nicalon(TM) fibers. The morphology, composition and tensile properties of coated fibers were evaluated for different systems in dependence of processing conditions by SEM, XPS, XRD analysis. All coatings obtained are uniform, continuous and adherent to substrates. They are distinguished by their morphological features, tensile strength, thermal resistance and compatibility with fiber. The peculiarities of the behavior of oxide-coated fibers are governed by the properties of initial sols, procedure for coating fabrication, chemical and nanostructural factors. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.