Erosion Behavior of SiC Coated C/C Composites with Condition of Combustion Test

Carbon/carbon composites are ideal candidates for a number of aerospace applications including structural materials for advanced vehicles, leading edges, structures of re-entry and hypersonic vehicles and propulsion systems. One serious defect for such application of the carbon/carbon composites is their poor oxidation resistance in high temperature oxidizing environments. SiC coating was employed to protect the composites from oxidation. It is mechanically and chemically stable under extreme thermal and oxidative environments, provides good adhesion to the substrate, and offers good thermal shock resistance. The SiC layer on the nozzle machined from the carbon/carbon composites was formed by pack-cementation method. Then, erosion characteristic of SiC coated carbon/carbon nozzle was examined by combustion test using a liquid rocket motor. The erosion rates were measured as function of combustion pressure, ratio of oxygen to fuel, combustion time, density of the composites and geometry of reinforced carbon fibre in the composites. The morphology change of the composites after combustion test was investigated using SEM and erosion mechanism also was discussed.