Scale characterisation of an oxidised (Hf,Ti)C-SiC ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composite

A hybrid carbide ultra-high temperature ceramics matrix [(Hf,Ti)C-SiC] reinforced with BN-coated carbon fibres was fabricated and tested for surface oxidation resistance. The UHTC composite showed an average mass ablation rate of 0.0014 g/s after exposure to a high heat flux (similar to 17 MW/em(2)) oxyacetylene flame test for 30 s above 2500 degrees C. The cross-sectional profile of the oxides scale formed was characterised and analysed. The scale was multicomponent; consisting of oxides of Hf, Ti and Si, as well as HfTiO4 and HfSiO4, which underwent phase separation and immiscibility. Multiple glassy bubbles formed on the scale surface due to the impediment of escaping gases by the glassy layer on the outer scale. The largest pores in the scale and surface bubbles that resisted rupture were the dominant features of the outermost phase-separated layer. Phase separation in the scale top layer improves the resistance to scale rupture.