Isothermal oxidation of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–SiC composites at 1000–1300 °C in air

The effect of SiC on the oxidation performance of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–SiC composites at 1000–1300 °C was explored. The present results demonstrated that scale growth on Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5 ceramics obeyed a nearly linear rate law during oxidation, while the oxidation rate of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–20SiC ceramics obeyed a nearly parabolic law, increasing rapidly during the initial stages of the reaction and then becoming slower. The oxidation resistance of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–20SiC was improved remarkably; this was likely due to the formation of more protective oxide scales on the ceramic consisting of viscid aluminosilicate glass.

► The oxidation rate of the Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–20SiC ceramic nearly obeyed parabolic law.
► The oxidation resistance of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5-based composites was improved remarkably by SiC.
► The anomalous oxidation of Zr2[Al(Si)]4C5–20SiC ceramic at 1300 °C was found.