Ablation mechanism of C/C-ZrB2-ZrC-SiC composite fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis with preform of Cf/ZrB2

C/C-ZrB2-ZrC-SiC composites were fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) with a preform of C-f/ZrB2. The ZrB2 powders were sprayed onto fabric layer by layer before the fabric is needled. After introduction of resin carbon and ZrC-SiC into the preform, a ceramic coating on the matrix and fibres was formed in the composites. The plasma ablation test indicates that the composites possess a good ablation resistance after ablation for 180s and 240 s. The SiO2-ZrO2 barrier layer, high temperature Zr-Si-O glass layer and heat dissipation all contribute to the good ablation resistance of the composites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.