ZrB2 coating for the oxidation protection of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites

•An effective ZrB2 coating was prepared by pack cementation method.•The anti-oxidation behavior of coated C/SiC composites was investigated.•Mechanical property of coated C/SiC composites after anti-oxidation tests was discussed.

In order to improve the anti-oxidation performance of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC) composites, ZrB2 coating was prepared on the surface of C/SiC composites by a two-step technique of pack cementation method. The anti-oxidation properties of coated composites were investigated. The results showed that ZrB2 coating was obtained by the method, which was homogenous and dense. The weight loss percentage of the coated composites was only 1.52 after oxidation in air at 1500 °C for 30 min, which exhibited excellent oxidation resistance.