Preparation and characterization of boron nitride coatings on carbon fibers from borazine by chemical vapor deposition

Boron nitride (BN) coatings were deposited on carbon fibers by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using borazine as single source precursor. The deposited coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of temperatures on growth kinetics, morphology, composition and structure of the coatings was investigated. In the low temperature range of 900 degrees C-1000 degrees C, the growth rate increased with increasing temperature complying with Arrhenius law, and an apparent active energy of 72 kJ/mol was calculated. The coating surface was smooth and compact, and the coatings uniformly deposited on individual fibers of carbon fiber bundles. The growth was controlled by surface reaction. At 1000 degrees C, the deposition rate reached a maximum (2.5 mu m/h). At the same time, the limiting step of the growth translated to be mass-transportation. Above 1100 degrees C, the growth rate decreased drastically due to the occurrence of gas-phase nucleation. Moreover, the coating surface became loose and rough. Composition and structure examinations revealed that stoichiometric BN coatings with turbostratic structure were obtained below 1000 degrees C, while hexagonal BN coatings were deposited above 1100 degrees C. A penetration of carbon element from the fibers to the coatings was observed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.