Effect of TaSi2/ZrSi2 on ablation properties of carbon-phenolic composite irradiated by high-intensity continuous laser

Abstract Although the inorganic filler modified carbon-phenolic composites are widely used as thermal-structural materials in moderate ablation conditions, it is still unknown whether these composites can be used in extreme environments, such as in high-intensity continuous lasers. To investigate the effect of silicide on ablation behaviors of carbon-phenolic composites, TaSi2/ZrSi2 modified carbon-phenolic composites were fabricated by compression molding and tested in a high-intensity continuous laser. Results showed that TaSi2/ZrSi2 modified carbon-phenolic composites possessed a good ability to resist long-term laser ablation. As the laser ablation time increased, the ablation rate was reduced. When the ablation time was increased to 100 s, the liner ablation rate was only 0.012 mm/s. The formed double ceramic layers with TaZr2.75O8, Ta2O5, and SiC as the main phases effectively enhanced the reflectivity of the composites and obstructed laser from entering the interior. The evaporation of the pyrolysis gas and the occurrence of the carbothermal reduction reactions effectively dissipated the deposited energy. The energy dissipation mechanism based on the multi-effect synergy provided the foundation for the modified composites to possess long-term laser resistance.