Enhancement of the oxidation resistance of C/C composites by depositing SiC nanowires onto carbon fibers by electrophoretic deposition

•SiC nanowires were uniformly deposited onto carbon fibers by electrophoretic deposition.•A bulky three-dimensional network structure was formed above the carbon cloth.•Pyrocarbon matrix could be refined by introducing SiC nanowires.•The oxidation resistance of C/C composites could be improved by depositing SiC nanowires.

SiC nanowires (SiCNWs) were introduced into carbon fiber (CF) cloth laminated preform by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and they were used to modify carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. The effects of SiCNWs on the oxidation kinetics and retardation mechanism of C/C composites were investigated. Compared with C/C composites, SiC nanowire reinforced C/C (SiCNW–C/C) composites have a better oxidation resistance since SiCNWs can act as connecting bridges between the adjacent carbon cloth layers, strengthen the adhesion of interlayer matrix, thus inhibit the formation of rapid oxidation channels such as annular matrix cracks and interlamination interface debonding.