Influence of hydrothermal carbon coating on the properties of CF/ZrB₂/SiBCN prepared by slurry injection

With the advantages of short production cycle and facility, slurry injection technology will help explore new possibilities for the preparation of high-performance fiber toughened ultra-high-temperature ceramic (UHTC). Here, hydrothermal carbon (HTC) coating with abundant functional groups is developed on the surface of the carbon fiber (CF) to optimize the slurry injection process and finally enhance the performance of CF/ZrB₂/SiBCN. The enhanced surface energy of HTC coated CF could efficiency promote the injection process, ultimately contributing to the formation of the compact and uniform ceramic green body. The denser matrix of the finally product combined with the HTC coating establish an isolation between oxygen and fiber. Even in a more aggressive oxidation environment, the HTC coating could act as a sacrifice layer to prevent the fibers from damage. The results identify a unique attraction during the construction of CF/ZrB₂/SiBCN with optimal properties and could be extended to other CF/UHTCs.