Organic-inorganic composites for novel optical transformation induced by high-energy laser ablation

High-energy continuous-wave (CW) laser has been considered as a significant technology in recent decades. Such laser can destroy conventional materials in an extremely short time, necessitating their protection. In this study, zirconium carbide (ZrC) and silicon carbide (SiC) particle-modified short silicon carbide fiber-reinforced phenolic resin matrix composites (SiC/BPF-ZS) with significant anti-laser performance were designed and prepared. Our results showed that the ceramic particles and SiC fibers rapidly oxidized, leading to the formation of a ceramic coating composed of ZrO2 and SiO2. Owing to the formation of the ceramic coating, the reflectivity of the composites improved significantly from 15.8% to 73.2% after ablation at 500 W/cm2 for 30 s. Additionally, the SiC fibers played an important role in the formation of a high-reflectivity coating during laser ablation. Contrast experiments indicated that SiC fibers lead to better performance than the carbon fibers. The high reflectivity and low mass ablation rate are demonstrated to be the key factors improving the anti-laser ablation performance of the SiC/BPF-ZS composites.

Automated summary

High-energy continuous-wave lasers have been significant in recent decades for their ability to destroy materials rapidly, requiring protection. The study designed and prepared SiC/BPF-ZS composites with significant anti-laser performance, showing that the formation of a ceramic coating is key to improving reflectivity. SiC fibers play a crucial role in forming a high-reflectivity coating during laser ablation and outperform carbon fibers.