Ablation mechanism of C/C–ZrB2–ZrC–SiC composite fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis with preform of Cf/ZrB2

C/C–ZrB 2 –ZrC–SiC composites were fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) with a preform of C f /ZrB 2 . The ZrB 2 powders were sprayed onto fabric layer by layer before the fabric is needled. After introduction of resin carbon and ZrC–SiC into the preform, a ceramic coating on the matrix and fibres was formed in the composites. The plasma ablation test indicates that the composites possess a good ablation resistance after ablation for 180   s and 240   s. The SiO 2 –ZrO 2 barrier layer, high temperature Zr–Si–O glass layer and heat dissipation all contribute to the good ablation resistance of the composites.