Laser ablation behavior of flake graphite and SiO₂ particle-filled hyperbranched polycarbosilane matrix composite coatings

Composite coatings consisting of flake graphite and SiO₂ fillers in a hyperbranched polycarbosilane (HBPCS) matrix were designed and prepared to meet the requirements of laser protection. The laser ablation behavior of the composite coatings were investigated. Control experiments were designed to study the performance of SiO₂ during laser irradiation. The results show that the introduction of SiO₂ changes the anti-laser protective mechanism and can improve the anti-laser property of the coating. High power laser irradiation results in pyrolysis of HBPCS and the formation of SiC particles. Chemical reactions between SiO₂, graphite, and SiC play an important role in consuming energy, and provide an excellent cooling effect to the substrate, leading to decreased temperature. SiC particles formed on the surface of the laser ablation area act as a shield to prevent the laser from irradiating deeper layers of the coating. Due to the cooling effect and thermal stability of SiC, the proposed coating shows a good anti-laser property.