Microstructure and properties of C/C–ZrC composites prepared by hydrothermal deposition combined with carbothermal reduction

Carbon fiber reinforced carbon matrix containing ZrC (C/C–ZrC) composites were prepared by hydrothermal deposition combined with carbothermal reduction. The submicron ZrC particles (100–300 nm) were dispersed in the matrix. The stress-strain curves of the composites presented a typical pseudo-plastic fracture behavior. The mass and linear ablation rates of the composites were 3.7 × 10⁻³g/s and 4.2 × 10⁻³ mm/s, respectively. The formation of ZrO₂ glass layer reduced erosion of the composites in the ablation center. The continuous C–ZrC–ZrO₂ skeleton layer generated from the oxidation of ZrC can protect the composites from erosion at the ablation brim region. The obtained C/C–ZrC composites present a promising potential as ablation resistance materials.