The Oxidation Behavior of SiC–ZrC–SiC‐Coated C/SiC Minicomposites at Ultrahigh Temperatures

Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced SiC (C/SiC) minicomposites were fabricated by the chemical vapor infiltration process. A multilayer of SiC–ZrC–SiC was coated on the C/SiC minicomposites. As comparison, the C/SiC minicomposites with SiC coating were also fabricated. The oxidation behavior of the coated C/SiC minicomposites was studied in the temperature range of 1800°–2000°C in a combustion wind tunnel. The tensile strength of the coated C/SiC minicomposites before and after the oxidation was measured. The results indicated that the SiC–ZrC–SiC‐coated C/SiC minicomposites performed better oxidation resistance at ultrahigh temperatures than the SiC‐coated ones. The effect of the additional zirconium carbide layer on the oxidation behavior of the minicomposites was discussed.