The high-temperature oxidation,reduction, and volatilization reactions of silicon and silicon carbide

A thermochemical analysis was made of the oxidation, reduction, and volatilization reactions which occur in the Si-O-C system. One characteristic feature is the high SiO(g) and SiO(g) + CO(g) pressures at the Si(s)-SiO₂ and SiC(s)-SiO₂(s) interfaces. Active oxidation with weight losses and passive oxidation with weight gains were found on oxidizing Si(s) and SiC(s) in low oxygen pressures above 1000°C. Rapid oxidation was related to the SiO(g) and SiO(g) + C0(g) pressures at the Si(s) or SiC(s)-SiO₂(s) interfaces.