Multi-cycle and long-term ablation behavior of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composites at 2500 °C

• Published in: Corrosion science 2021-05, Vol.184, p.109385, Article 109385
• Main Authors: Chen, Bo-Wen, Ni, De-Wei, Lu, Jun, Cai, Fei-Yan, Zou, Xue-Gang, Zhou, Hai-Jun, Dong, Shao-Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ablation; Ablation resistance; Agglomeration; Ceramic matrix composites; Composite materials; Multi-cycle and long-term ablation; Phase transitions; Refractory materials; Silicon dioxide; Structural stability; UHTCs; Zirconium compounds; Zirconium dioxide
• ISSN: 0010-938X; 1879-0496
• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2021.109385

•Multi-cycle and long-term ablation behavior of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composite was studied by air plasma test at 2500 °C.•The oxide layer with uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles in SiO2 melt can prevent the evaporation of SiO2.•Retarding the aggregation, growth and phase transition of ZrO2 can increase the stability of the oxide protective layer. Multi-cycle and long-term ablation behavior of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composite was evaluated by plasma ablation flame at 2500 °C. The composites can be protected by the oxide layer with uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles in SiO2 melt. However, the structural stability of the oxide layer could be destroyed due to the phase transition of ZrO2 and violent evaporation of SiO2, resulting from the aggregation and growth of ZrO2 during multi-cycle and long-term ablation. It is of great significance to optimize the composition and microstructure of the oxide layer to retard the aggregation, growth and phase transition of ZrO2.