Effect of MoSi2-Si3N4/SiC multi-layer coating on the oxidation resistance of carbon/carbon composites above 1770 K

Abstract

To improve the oxidation resistance of carbon/carbon composites at high temperatures (>1770 K), they were coated with MoSi2-Si3N4/SiC. The slurry and pack cementation methods were adopted to deposit the inner SiC layer and outer MoSi2-Si3N4 layer. The phase composition, microstructure, and elemental distributions in the coating were analyzed using SEM, XRD, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. Oxidation tests show that the deposited multi-layer coating can protect the carbon/carbon matrix from oxidation at high temperatures (>1770 K) for 150h and that the coating can withstand 40 thermal cycles between 1773 and 300 K. It is observed that Si3N4 assists in the formation of a dense SiO2 layer at a high temperature, which plays a vital role in increasing the thermal cyclic and oxidation resistance of the coating itself. The weight loss of coated carbon/carbon composite is attributed to the formation of micro-cracks and diffusion of SiO2, MoO3, and N2 out of the material at high temperatures.