Internal Layered Reaction Front in 2.5D C/SiC Composites Under Continuous-Wave Laser Ablation: Identification and Thermal-Field Interpretation

The ablation behavior of 2.5D C/SiC composites under continuous-wave laser irradiation involves not only surface material removal but also internal structural degradation. In this study, laser ablation tests were conducted at power densities of 400, 800, and 1600 W/cm2, and the ablated specimens were analyzed by macroscopic observation, infrared thermography, X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), depth measurement, and homogeneous thermal-field simulation. The results show that the surface morphology evolved from a transition-zone-dominated response to a typical zoned morphology consisting of a central ablation zone, transition zone, and edge zone as the power density and irradiation time increased. Under the present temperature measurement conditions, the surface transition zone corresponded to an apparent temperature window of approximately 2300–2700 K. Cross-sectional characterization further revealed a distinguishable internal reaction front beneath the external ablation surface, above which microstructural damage and Si depletion were observed. Depth measurements showed that the external ablation depth underestimated the actual degradation depth along the thickness direction. The calibrated homogeneous thermal-field model indicated that the internal front position corresponded to a relatively stable temperature range, suggesting that its formation was mainly governed by local thermal history and matrix-related reactions. The proposed internal reaction front provides a supplementary parameter for evaluating laser-induced subsurface degradation in 2.5D C/SiC composites.