Abstract: The surface morphology of the continuous SiC filament,prepared by radio frequency heating CVD technique,has been observed and the tensile strength of the filament related to the technological parameters of preparation has also been investigated.The tensile strength is found to be dependent directly upon the surface smoothness,grain size and uniformity.How- ever,the CVD temperature,the composition and flow rate of reactive gases,as well as the cleansing of W wire substrate,etc.,are the very important factors.A protective layer coated over the outer surface of SiC filament may effectively improve the smoothness,susceptibility to surface damage and properties of the SiC filament.

Key words: SiC filament surface morpology, susceptiibility to surface damage