Rapid synthesis of silicon carbide-carbon composites

Production of pore-free carbon/carbon-silicon carbide composite materials with mechanical properties making them suitable for use in such applications as the production of aircraft landing system brake components including brake discs. The method includes: providing a porous carbon-carbon composite preform; surrounding the porous carbon-carbon composite preform with silicon powder to form an intermediate construct; applying a uniaxial load to the construct; applying direct electrical current to an assembly containing the loaded construct of porous carbon-carbon preform surrounded by silicon powder, thereby melting the silicon powder and infiltrating the pores of the carbon-carbon preform with liquid silicon; and initiating a combustion-type reaction between the silicon and carbon in the preform, thereby forming silicon carbide in the preform.