Oxidation analysis of 2D C/ZrC–SiC composites with different coating structures in CH4 combustion gas environment

2D C/ZrC–SiC composites were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration combined with polymer slurry infiltration and pyrolysis. Liquid highly branched polycarbosilane was used as the pre-ceramic precursor. In order to improve the oxidation resistance, three kinds of coating structures were prepared on C/ZrC–SiC composites: pure zirconium carbide coating, SiC–ZrC coating, and ZrB2–SiC coating. Structural evolutions of the as-produced composites after oxidation in CH4 combustion gas atmosphere at about 1800 °C were investigated and compared. Based on a model of the oxidation process, the mixture ZrB2–CVD SiC showed the best oxidation resistance.