3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites fabricated with ZrC nanoparticles and ZrSi2 alloy

3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites were fabricated via a combination process of polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and reactive melt infiltration with ZrC nanoparticles and ZrSi2 alloy. ZrC nanoparticles was first introduced into 3D needle-punched carbon fiber preforms by impregnating the mixture of ZrC nanoparticles and phenol resin, followed by pyrolysis at 900 °C. As-prepared composites were densified by PIP with phenol resin for five cycles, and then were heat treated at a higher temperature. Molten ZrSi2 alloy was then infiltrated into the porous 3D Cf/ZrC-C to obtain 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites. Microstructure evolution associated with phase variation was investigated. Mechanical properties and ablation properties of 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites were reported. Results show that ZrC nanoparticles have important roles in the fabrication procedure of 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC and that the mechanical properties of 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites can be further improved. The mass loss rate and linear recession rate of 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites without F/M interphase are 3.4×10−3 g/s and 2.1×10−3 mm/s, respectively.