Atomic oxygen adsorption and its effect on the oxidation behaviour of ZrB2-ZrC-SiC in air

▶ Atomic oxygen was adsorbed on the surface of ZrB2-ZrC-SiC ceramics. ▶ Atomic oxygen was preferred reacted with borides according to XPS spectra. ▶ The atomic oxygen adsorption is detrimental to the oxidation resistance. ▶ The porosity should be the major reason which provides diffusion path for the atomic oxygen. ▶ The structure evolution of the ceramics during oxidation is analyzed.