Kinetic control of silicon carbide/metal reactions

The kinetic features governing SiC/metal reactions have been investigated to identify the operating mechanisms and diffusion characteristics. With respect to the contact metal components, the reaction characteristics were identified by two separate modes-formation of silicides and free carbon (Mode I), or formation of carbides and silicides (Mode II). The analysis was confirmed by comparing SiC/Ni and SiC/Cr reactions. The diffusion pathways for both reactions were examined in terms of a chemical potential framework. The application of the analysis has been extended to in-situ interface reactions of SiC/Cu/Ni and SiC/Cr/Ni. New reaction modes representing SiC/metal reactions are considered as well as a strategy to control the reaction pathway.