Abstract: Prenitridation of the TiBx coating surface of the Sigma SM1240 SiC fiber can form more stable compounds at the surface and obstruct the release of boron atoms into the Ti-based alloy matrix. The effect of nitridation on the tensile strength of the fiber was investigated in this work. Nitridation could degrade the tensile strength of the SiC fiber if the treating temperature and time are not optimized. The chemical reaction between the W core and SiC and the modification of fiber microstructure during the nitridation are responsible for the degradation in strength. The strength can be maintained by further optimization of the treating temperature and time. Therefore, stabilizing the surface of TiBx coating and hence the interface of the SiCf/Ti composite by the nitridation of the SiC fiber is a feasible technique for practical applications.

Key words: SiC fiber, Surface coating, Nitridation, Tensile strength, Interface