Laser ablation behaviors of SiC–ZrC coated carbon/carbon composites

Laser ablation behaviors of carbon/carbon composites with an underlying SiC layer and a surface ZrC layer were investigated using a continuous wave CO2 laser. The laser powers varied from 100 W to 2000 W. The results indicate that the two-layer SiC–ZrC coating can improve the laser ablation resistance of the carbon/carbon composites. Three ablation regions can be identified. The ablation mechanisms in different ablation regions are proposed.

Research Highlights
► SiC-ZrC as protective coating on C/C composites.
► Higher laser power results in greater ablation depth and width.
► The coated C/C is of better laser ablation resistance.
► The ablation mechanisms in different ablation regions are proposed.