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

Abstract Multi-cycle and long-term ablation behavior of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composite was evaluated by plasma ablation flame at 2500 ℃. 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.