Fabrication of Mullite Coating and Its Oxidation Protection for Carbon Fiber Reinforced SiC Composites

摘要

To protect carbon fiber-reinforced SiC (C/SiC) composites against oxidation, mullite coating was prepared on C/SiC composites by dip-coating method with high solid content Al_2O_3-SiO_2 sol as raw materials. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyze the phase and microstructure of the coating. The results show that the as-prepared coating is SiO_2-rich, monolithic and well bonded with substrate without penetrating crack, giving rise to good oxidation-resistance. After soaked at 1400°C for 30min under static air, the coated C/SiC composites possess 87% of original flexural strength. As a result of sealing and filling of cracks and pores by viscous SiO_2 in coating, the coated C/SiC composites exhibit improved oxidation resistance at 1500°C and 1600°C. There is no change in flexural strength after oxidized at 1500°C and 1600°C for 30min, respectively. Nevertheless, the carbothermal reduction between viscous SiO_2 and free carbon in C/SiC substrate would occur obviously when oxidation temperature was elevated or oxidation time was prolonged, leading to local foaming in coating and decreasing in oxidation resistance.