材料期刊网

Continuous CVD SiC fibers have been surface-treated by an electrochemical method, Two important parameters, namely the electric current density (ECD) and the fiber receiving rate (FRR), have been investigated for fiber strength control during the treatment process. An optimum match between ECD and FRR has been suggested, The appropriately treated fibers reached a tensile strength of more than 3000 MPa, showing a large strength enhancement relative to the untreated fiber, which had only a strength of less than 2300 MPa, It has been observed that such an electrochemical treatment has an ''etching effect'' whereby the fiber surface morphology is completely changed, Nodular morphology, which may result in voids or microcrack formation on the fiber surface, is replaced by a smooth and refined structure after treatment, This method has potential for commercial applications of low strength (<2500 MPa) CVD SIC fibers.