Preparation of TiC/Ti2AlC coating on carbon fiber and investigation of the oxidation resistance properties

MAX phases were proposed as the interphase materials for carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites toward the applications in high-dose irradiation and oxidation environments. A thickness-controllable TiC/Ti2AlC coating was fabricated on carbon fiber using an insitu reaction in a molten salt bath. The coating showed a multilayered structure, in which the inner layer was TiC and the outer layer was Ti2AlC. The influence of the reaction conditions on the morphology, composition, and thickness of the coating was investigated. The oxidation resistance properties of the as-prepared TiC/Ti2AlC-coated carbon fiber in static air and water vapor flow at elevated temperatures were investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared TiC/Ti2AlC coating could provide good protection to the carbon fiber in both static air and water vapor flow up to 800 degrees C. As these TiC and Ti2AlC materials have good irradiation resistance, the present work provides a potential way to develop an irradiation-resistant interphase of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites for nuclear applications. Furthermore, this work also provides a feasible way to prepare carbide/MAX phase coating on other carbon materials.