Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of C/C–ZrC–SiC Composites Fabricated by Reactive Melt Infiltration with Zr, Si Mixed Powders

Abstract

To meet the increasing demand for advanced materials capable of operation over 2000 °C for future thermal protection systems application, C/C–ZrC–SiC composites were fabricated by reactive melt infiltration (RMI) with Zr, Si mixed powders as raw materials. The structural evolution and formation mechanism of the C/C–ZrC–SiC composites were discussed, and the mechanical property of the as-prepared material was investigated by compression test. The results showed that after the RMI process, a special structure with ZrC–SiC multi-coating as outer layer and ZrC–SiC–PyC ceramics as inner matrix was formed. ZrC and SiC rich areas were formed in the composites and on the coating surface due to the formation of Zr–Si intermetallic compounds in the RMI process. Mechanical tests showed that the average compression strength of the C/C–ZrC–SiC composites was 133.86 MPa, and the carbon fibers in the composites were not seriously damaged after the RMI process.