Comparison of morphology and microstructure of ablation centre of C/SiC composites by oxy-acetylene torch at 2900 and 3550 °C

High-temperature application above 1600 °C of C/SiC composites requires evaluation of the ablation properties. The C/SiC composites were prepared by low pressure chemical vapor infiltration using CH3SiCl3 as precursor. As-prepared C/SiC composites were ablated by oxy-acetylene flame with the temperature of 2900 and 3550 °C. Above 3550 °C, subliming of carbon fiber and silicon carbide matrix was the main ablation behaviour. At 2900 °C, thermal decomposition and oxidation of SiC matrix were the main ablation behaviour. A carbon coating resulted from the pyrolysis of the acetylene prevented the C/SiC from oxidizing dramatically.