Fabrication and Ablation Properties of SiC Nanowires-Network Modified Carbon/Carbon–Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics Composites

Abstract

In order to address the anti-ablation of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, SiC nanowires (SiCnws) network-modified C/C-ZrB2-ZrC-SiC composites were prepared through the one-step precursor conversion method. With an optimized B-Si-Zr sol-precursor, uniformly dispersed SiCnws and ceramic particles forming an interlocking structure were synchronous in situ grown in the C/C matrix. During ablation, the partially oxidized SiCnws networks with molten SiO2 surface can stabilize the oxide protecting layer and heal the microcracks efficiently in combination with the refractory ZrO2 particles, thus significantly improving the anti-ablation properties of the composites. This study lays the foundation for the high temperature and long-term anti-oxidation and anti-ablation application of C/C composites in the aerospace industry.