The degree of reaction and dispersion achieved when SiC powders are brought into contact with liquid iron-based alloys has been assessed by a levitation dispersion test. SiC was found to react rapidly with molten iron matrices to form iron silicides and graphite. Attempts to generate protective TiC or Al2O3 coatings on SiC in situ in liquid iron proved unsuccessful; neither was precoating SiC and Ni and/or Cu successful in providing protection against molten iron alloys. Unprotected SiC also reacted readily with iron in the solid state (1000-1200-degrees-C). Precoating with Ni, however, provides protection and prevents SiC dissolution and silicide formation during sintering at such temperatures.