Fabrication and Ablation Properties of SiC Nanowires-Network Modified Carbon/Carbon–Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics Composites

In order to address the anti-ablation of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, SiC nanowires (SiCnws) network-modified C/C-ZrB₂-ZrC-SiC composites were prepared through the one-step precursor conversion method. With an optimized B-Si-Zr sol-precursor, uniformly dispersed SiCnws and ceramic particles forming an interlocking structure were synchronous in situ grown in the C/C matrix. During ablation, the partially oxidized SiCnws networks with molten SiO₂ surface can stabilize the oxide protecting layer and heal the microcracks efficiently in combination with the refractory ZrO₂ particles, thus significantly improving the anti-ablation properties of the composites. This study lays the foundation for the high temperature and long-term anti-oxidation and anti-ablation application of C/C composites in the aerospace industry.