Thermal diffusivity of three-dimensional needled C/SiC–TaC composites

Three-dimensional needled carbon fiber reinforced SiC–TaC composites were prepared by combination of slurry infiltration and reactive melt infiltration. The thermal diffusivity of the composites with different TaC contents was characterized in the temperature range from room temperature to 1400 °C. The results revealed that the temperature dependent thermal diffusivity behavior was independent on TaC content, while the thermal diffusivity values of the composites were influenced by their microstructures. A model based on lattice vibration and microstructure was used to discuss the thermal diffusivity behavior of the C/SiC–TaC composites.