High Temperature Passive Oxidation Mechanism of CVD SiC

The passive oxidation mechanism of CVD SiC was discussed from experimental results with high-temperature thermogravimetry and thermodynamic analyses. The bubble formation temperature around 1900 K could be too low for an oxygen inward diffusion limited process but conform to a CO outward diffusion limited process. The parabolic rate constant (kp) had weak oxygen partial pressure (PO2) dependence, kp ∝ PO2 n where n = 0.09 to 0.12. These n values may be consistent with the CO outward diffusion limited process. The activation energy of kp obtained in the present study, 210 kJ/mol, could suggest a different mechanism from the well-approved oxygen molecule permeation limited process at lower temperatures below 1600 K. Amorphous phase was significantly contained in SiO2 scales formed in an N2-O2 atmosphere. No effect of the amorphous formation on kp was identified.