Oxidation and ablation behavior of a ceramizable resin matrix composite based on carbon fiber/phenolic resin

A ceramizable resin matrix composite with an alternating distribution of modifying fillers, namely borosilicate glass, Si, and ZrSi₂, was designed based on carbon fiber/phenolic resin composite. Polycarbosilane was introduced as an interface layer. The oxidation and ablation behavior of the ceramizable resin matrix composite were studied. The results show that the strength of the composite after oxidation at 1200–1500 ℃ for 1800 s was around 100 MPa. The ablation resistance and thermal insulation of the composite are improved simultaneously due to the synergistic effect among borosilicate glass, Si, and ZrSi₂. This result is attributed to the decrease in the discharge rate of pyrolysis gas through a two-step reaction and generation of ceramics with a high temperature and ablation resistance. These results indicate that the proposed composite is a promising low-cost material with a good strength and a good ablation resistance for application in thermal protection systems.