SiC–CNT Composite Prepared by Electrophoretic Codeposition and the Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis Process

The paper reports on the successful anodic codeposition of submicrometer SiC powder and multiwalled carbon nanotubes from aqueous suspensions to form SiC-CNT composites. On the basis of the comprehensive analysis of the aqueous suspensions with different pHs, solids contents, and CNT contents, optimal conditions for deposition were determined. Besides having the necessary high absolute value of the ζ-potential, the suspensions that resulted in firm deposits were characterized by limited conductivity (<1 mS/cm). Lowering of suspension conductivity was achieved either by dilution of the suspension or by dialysis of the as-received CNT suspension with high intrinsic conductivity. Selected SiC-CNT deposits were further densified by use of the polymer infiltration and pyrolysis process.