Abstract: A process is provided for permanently joining at least two structural components together to form a molded body, in which a carbon-containing paste is introduced between the structural components to be joined and heated to form a carbon skeleton. This skeleton is then infiltrated with silicon at a temperature above 1,410.degree. C. to form silicon carbide. As one of the structural components, a carbon fiber-reinforced component with a system of microcracks is used. One of the structural components is aligned with the other structural component in such a way as to leave a joint gap. For cases in which the width, defined as the distance between the two surfaces to be joined, is .ltoreq.80 .mu.m, the joint gap is filled with a paste which contains an organic, carbon-containing binder with a carbon content of at least 30 wt. % and carbon powder with a particle size of less than 15 .mu.m. In cases where the width of the gap is more than 80 .mu.