Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
In this work, the solid freeform fabrication of cermets was explored. Using a laser-based approach, SiC was deposited by chemical vapor deposition from tetramethylsilane gas into powder layers of Cu, Mo, or Ni. The resulting structures were examined to observe the extent of reaction between the metal powders and the vapor deposited SiC. Silicide formation was observed, most readily with the Ni powder. The thermal expansion of the metals compared to that of the vapor deposited SiC affected the interfacial stresses generated in the cermets during fabrication.