A novel optimized two-step method for preparing the Z-pin-like rods to improve their effect on the ablation resistance of C/C-ZrC-SiC

In order to improve the density of Z-pin-like V-C rods, the interfacial bonding strength between heterogeneous rod and ultra-high temperature ceramic based composites, and the ablation resistance of the composites, a novel two-step method composed of solid sintering and an adapted liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) processing step with low cost, low raw material wastage and effortless demolding was designed. The microstructure evolution and the ablation resistance of V-C rod reinforced C/C-ZrC-SiC composites before and after improved LSI were investigated. Results showed that the holes in V-C rods and the gaps between rods and C/C-ZrC-SiC were all filled with liquid silicon by LSI. A dense SiC interface layer was formed between the rods and the matrix, effectively alleviating the thermal mismatch between the two components. The rods with infiltrated silicon made full use of their thermal dissipative protection and polybasic multiphase compensation, and improved efficiently the anti-ablation performance of the composite.

Automated summary

A novel two-step method was designed to improve the density of Z-pin-like V-C rods, the interfacial bonding strength between heterogeneous rod and ultra-high temperature ceramic based composites, and the ablation resistance of the composites. The results showed that the ablation resistance of the composite was efficiently improved after the infiltration of silicon into the rods.