A novel laser technique for oxidation-resistant coating of carbon-carbon composite

High-temperature protection of carbon-carbon (C/C) composites against oxida tion by ambient air is a serious problem with no single, universal solution . In this paper, we present the results of a novel laser-induced chemical d ecomposition (LICD) process used to apply two types of oxidation protection system (OPS) coatings on CIC composites. Silicon carbide and iridium were selected as the candidate materials for OPS based on their chemical compati bility with carbon and oxidation protection capabilities, and deposited on the C/C substrates by LICD of Si3N4 and IrCl3. High-temperature oxidation t ests of the coatings in air environment at 650 degreesC showed a mass loss improvement of about 10% for single layer SiC and 50% fur single layer irid ium. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.