Synthesis of Y2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 composite coatings on carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite by an electro-plasma process

In the present paper the Y2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 composite coating was successfully synthesized on carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite by an electro-plasma process. The deposition process, microstructures and oxidation resistance of the coatings with different SiO2 concentrations were systematically investigated. A relatively dense microstructure was observed for the Y2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 composite coating with the SiO2 concentration above 5 g/L. The coating exhibited very good oxidation resistance at 1273 K with the mass loss rate as low as ∼30 wt.%, compared to 100 wt.% of the substrate. The formation of the ceramic composites was discussed in detail based on the electrochemical mechanism and the deposition dynamics in order to explain the effect of the plasma discharge. We believe that the electro-plasma process will find wide applications in preparing ceramics and coatings in industries.