Functionally gradient ceramic coating provides an effective antioxidant pro
tection to carbon/carbon composites at intermediate temperatures (below 100
0 degreesC) by the formation of a B2O3 glass from the oxidation of boron ph
ases. The glass flows and seals the cracks to prevent further oxygen penetr
ation. A protection layer based on SiC, B4C and Al8B4C7 phases was obtained
by carbon conversion of the composite using a pack cementation process wit
h a powder mixture of the ZrB2-SiC-Al2O3, system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science
Ltd. All rights reserved.