An oxidation resistant carbon composite material comprises nanocrystalline
silicon carbide regions distributed throughout a carbon matrix. The
composite is prepared by intermixing in a solvent a silicon carbide
precursor and a carbon precursor and forming a solution that is free of
solids. After removing the solvent from the mixture, the remaining
material is pyrolyzed and forms the characteristic nanocrystalline silicon
carbide in a carbon matrix. A composite made by the subject method and a
part made from the composite are also provided.
