Ablation behavior of C/SiC with YSZ and ZrB2 coatings under high-energy laser irradiation

Carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites are important candidates for laser protection materials. In this study, ablation mechanism of C/SiC coated with ZrO2/Mo and ZrB2–SiC/ZrO2/Mo under laser irradiation was studied. ZrB2–SiC multiphase ceramic and ZrO2 ceramic were successfully coated on C/SiC composite by atmospheric plasma spraying technology with Mo as transition layer. Phase evolution and morphology of composite were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, ablation behavior of the composite was investigated by laser confocal microscopy. Results showed that ablation mechanism of C/SiC composite was controlled by phase transformation, thermal reaction, and thermal diffusion, with solid–liquid transition of ZrB2 and ZrO2 being dominant factor. Endothermic reaction and good thermal diffusivity of coatings were also important factors affecting ablation performance. Reflectivity effect of ZrO2 coating was limited under high-energy laser irradiation. Compared with ZrO2/Mo single-phase-monolayer coating, designed ZrB2–SiC/ZrO2/Mo coating showed better ablation performance, and breakdown time of C/SiC increased from 10 to 40 s. The depletion of liquid phase in molten pool was identified as an important factor responsible for rapid failure of C/SiC. The coating failed when the entire liquid phase was consumed within molten pool, followed by rapid damage of C/SiC substrate. Results of this study can provide theoretical guidance and research ideas for design and application of laser protective materials.