Ablation properties of C/C-SiC composites tested on an arc heater

Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon and silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) composites were fabricated by a combination of chemical vapor infiltration and liquid silicon infiltration. Ablation properties of C/C-SiC composites and C/C composites with similar technique were tested on a high-pressure arc heater. The results show that ablation properties of C/C-SiC composites are more severe than those of C/C composites. Ablation of C/C-SiC composites includes oxidation, sublimation of SiC (Si), and mechanical denudation. Oxidation and sublimation of SIC (Si) lead to the enlarged ablation rates between carbon fibers and matrices, which finally cause serious ablation of C/C-SiC composites. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.