Ablation properties and mechanisms of BN-coated Cf-reinforced SiBCNZr ceramic composites under an oxyacetylene combustion torch

The ablation properties and mechanisms of BN-coated Cf-reinforced SiBCNZr composites under an oxyacetylene combustion torch were investigated. The mass and linear ablation rates of the Cf/SiBCNZr ceramic matrix composites were lower than those of Cf/SiBCN and SiCf/SiBCN composites, reaching 0.0022 mg/s and 0.0136 mm/s, respectively. The ablation resistance of the SiBCN ceramics was enhanced by the addition of Zr, whereas the BN-coated Cf increased the thermal shock resistance of the SiBCNZr ceramics. No macrocracks were found on the ablation surface of the Cf/SiBCNZr specimen. The ablation mechanisms based on different ablation temperatures, phase evolution during ablation, and ablation morphologies in the different ablation regions consisted of oxidation of the carbon fibre and ceramic matrix, emission of various gases, the flow of high-viscosity SiO2, and denudation of Cf under the erosion of the ablation flame.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the addition of Zr and BN-coated Cf can enhance the ablation resistance and thermal shock resistance of SiBCNZr ceramic materials, providing better ablation performance and stability. The ablation mechanisms mainly include oxidation, gas emission, SiO2 flow, and Cf exposure processes.