The SiC/SiO2 deposition was performed to improve the oxidation resistive properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF) from electrospinning at elevated temperatures through sol-gel process. The stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers were coated with SiO2 followed by heat treatment up to 1000 and 1400 degrees C in an inert argon atmosphere. The chemical compositions of the CNFs surface heat-treated were characterized as C, Si and O existing as SiC and SiO2 compounds on the surface. The uniform and continuous coating improved the oxidation resistance of the carbon nanofibers. The residual weight of the composite was 70-80% and mixture of SiC, SiO2 and some residual carbon after exposure to air at 1000 degrees C. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.