Patent ID: 7914904

Claim:
A process for preventing slag, ash, and char buildup on a surface, comprising: disposing a composite on the surface; replacing a component comprising the surface with a component consisting of the composite; or a combination thereof; wherein the composite comprises: silicon carbide; and a refractory metal silicide comprising a phase selected from Rm 5 Si 3 , Rm 5 Si 3 C, RmSi 2 , and a combination thereof; wherein Rm is a refractory metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten, and a combination thereof; and exposing the composite to slag, ash or char in a heated environment, wherein the slag, ash or char does not substantially wet the surface of the composite; wherein disposing, replacing, or a combination thereof comprises welding the composite to a metal substrate, and further wherein the composite is in direct contact with the metal substrate.