Effects of ZrC particle size on ablation behavior of C/C-SiC-ZrC composites prepared by chemical liquid vapor deposition

The particle size of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) possesses a critical effect on ablation behavior of C/C-UHTCs composites. The role of ZrC particle size on ablation resistance of C/C-SiC-ZrC composites was studied in this work. Results displayed ZrC particles with ~1 µm produced a broken oxide coating on ablation surface, showing an unsatisfactory ablation resistance. It was difficult for ~3.8 µm ZrC particles to form a dense oxide coating, thus the coating could not hinder oxygen corrosion. ZrC particles with ~2.7 µm promoted the formation of a continuous and viscous oxide coating, delaying oxygen diffusion and resisting airflow scouring.