Investigations on the synthesis of bauxite-based beta-Sialon-bonded SiC composites by in situ nitridation-reaction sintering process have been carried out. The phase composition and microstructure have been determined by XRD and SEM. Oxidation behaviors of bauxite-based beta-Sialon-bonded SiC are also studied, the composites exhibit satisfactory resistance to oxidation, the oxidation kinetics of the composites in dry air over 1200-1300 degrees C are fitted to the parabolic model. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.