Processing, microstructure and mechanical behavior of SiC-based ceramics via naturally derived scaffolds

Biomorphic silicon carbide ceramics are a new class of materials fabricated by reactive infiltration of molten silicon with carbonaceus preforms obtained from wood pyrolysis. The resulting material is a Si/SiC composite, in which the SiC forms a skeleton that replicates the wood microstructure with unreacted Si filling the pores. The silicon can be removed from the composite creating a highly porous SiC material that can be refilled with other products, like metal alloys, to create ceramic/metal composites.