Comparative ablation behaviors of C/SiC-ZrC and C/SiC-HfC composites prepared by ceramization of carbon aerogel preforms

Novel carbon aerogels were used as matrix precursors to fabricate C/SiC-ZrC and C/SiC-HfC composites through their reactions with molten ZrSi2 and HfSi2, respectively. The ablation behaviors of the two composites were investigated comparatively. The C/SiC-ZrC has a lower linear ablation rate at 2200 degrees C but a higher value at 2500 degrees C. It can be attributed to the milder exfoliation of the formed SiO2-ZrO2 with more glass phase than SiO2-HfO2 at 2200 degrees C. However, the solid HfO2 skeleton formed on the ablation surface has superior anti-peeling capability than ZrO2 at 2500 degrees C.

Automated summary

The ablation behaviors of C/SiC-ZrC and C/SiC-HfC composites were investigated, revealing differences in the ablation rates and the impact of the formed oxide products on the ablation resistance at different temperatures.