Microstructure and ablation behavior of C/C–HfC composites prepared by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2015.01.053
• Publication Date: 2015-02-07T12:00:36Z
• Authors: Liang Xue; Zhe-an Su; Xin Yang; Dong Huang; Teng Yin; Chunxuan Liu; Qizhong Huang
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences

C/C–HfC composites were prepared by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis using HfC precursor. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and ablation behavior were investigated. The C/C–HfC composites showed good ablation resistance with a surface temperature over 2573 K during ablation. The ablation process was divided into two steps, with the ablation rate dominated by various mechanisms. During ablation, tree-coral-like HfO2 particles formed and functioned as thermal barrier, and the HfCxOy phase acted as oxygen diffusion barrier, protecting the composites from further ablation.