Effect of reaction melt infiltration temperature on the ablation properties of 2D C/C–SiC–ZrC composites

Two-dimensionally (2D) reinforced C/C–SiC–ZrC composites were prepared by ICVI combined with RMI method. The ablation properties of the composites were tested under an oxyacetylene flame. The results indicate that the temperature of RMI has remarkable effect on the microstructure and ablation properties of C/C–SiC–ZrC composites, the linear and mass ablation rates of the C/C–SiC–ZrC prepared at 2300 °C are greatly reduced compared with those of C/C–SiC–ZrC prepared at 2000 °C and C/C composites. The formation of a dense ZrC–SiC coating and its oxide layer are the reasons for high ablation resistance.

► 2D C/C–SiC–ZrC composites were prepared by ICVI combined with RMI method.
► RMI temperature has remarkable effect on the microstructure and ablation properties.
► ZrC–SiC coating and its oxide layer are the reasons for high ablation resistance.
► Ablation behaviour is a combination effect of thermo-chemical and mechanical erosion.