Microstructure and properties of Web-type polycrystalline SiC fiber prepared by electrospinning and sintering of aluminum doped polycarbosilane

Fine diameter polycrystalline silicon carbide fibers were prepared by electrospinning and sintering of aluminum doped polycarbosilane. Fully dense and completely polycrystalline SiC fibers were obtained after sintering at 2000 °C. The diameter of the fibers was in the range of 0.5 to 2 μm. The SiC crystallite size in the fiber sintered at 2000 °C was about 200 nm and many stacking faults and twins were observed inside the SiC crystallites. A residual carbon phase was segregated on the fiber surface and at the grain boundaries in the form of microcrystalline graphite. When oxidized at 1200 °C, the fiber showed good adhesion with the oxidation layer formed on the fiber surface.