A novel laser technique for oxidation-resistant coating of carbon–carbon composite Original Research Article

High-temperature protection of carbon–carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation 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 decomposition (LICD) process used to apply two types of oxidation protection system (OPS) coatings on C/C composites. Silicon carbide and iridium were selected as the candidate materials for OPS based on their chemical compatibility with carbon and oxidation protection capabilities, and deposited on the C/C substrates by LICD of Si3N4 and IrCl3. High-temperature oxidation tests of the coatings in air environment at 650°C showed a mass loss improvement of about 10% for single layer SiC and 50% for single layer iridium.