In-situ growth of SiC nanostructures and their influence on anti-oxidation capability of C/SiC composites

[Display omitted] •A catalyst free and simple method was developed to grow the SiC nanostructures.•A dense cluster of SiC nanostructures was formed on the C/SiC composites in situ.•Oxidation of C/SiC with nanostructures formed a silica layer.•A silica layer provided an excellent anti-oxidation capability.•Low viscosity layer favors the spreading and self-healing of silica in air flushing. High purity SiC nanostructures were grown in situ on the surfaces of C/SiC composites by the chemical vapor reaction route to improve the anti-oxidation capability of C/SiC composites. It was found that the SiC nanostructures formed a dense cluster with a thickness of about 20μm. The nanostructures mainly included nanoparticles and nanorods. The oxidation tests found that the SiC nanostructures could significantly improve the anti-oxidation capability of C/SiC composites, particularly, at the temperature beyond 900°C. The improvement of the anti-oxidation capability of the C/SiC composites was attributed to the formation of a silica layer.