Wettability of SiC by liquid pure metals

Abstract

The wettability of reaction bonded SiC, hot pressed SiC and a single crystal of α-SiC by liquid metals (Pb, Sn, Al, Si, Au, Ge, Ag, Fe, Ni and Co) was measured. Contact angles of liquid pure Pb, Sn, Au and Ag were larger than 90° for all SiC examined. Reactivity of reaction bonded SiC with liquid metals may be controlled by a carbon treatment which carburates the surface of the SiC. Contact angles of liquid pure Fe, Co and Ni were always smaller than 90° for both reaction bonded SiC and the hot pressed SiC. Contact angle of liquid pure Al on a single crystal of αSiC changed with time. Contact angle of liquid pure Ge depended on the kind of SiC used. Wetting behavior of liquid metals on SiC is related to the solubility of Si and C.