Ablation Behavior of ZrB2-SiC UHTC Composite under Various Flame Angle Using Oxy-Acetylene Torch

In this work, the ablation behavior of monolith ZrB2-30 vol%SiC (Z30S) composites were studied under various oxy-acetylene flame angles. Typical oxidized microstructures (SiO2/SiC-depleted/ZrB2-SiC) were observed when the flame to Z30S was arranged vertically. However, formation of the outmost glassy SiO2 layer was hindered when the Z30S was tilted. The SiC-depleted region was fully exposed to air with reduced thickness when highly tilted. Traces of the ablated and island type SiO2 were observed at intermediate flame angles, which clearly verified the effect of flame angle on the ablation of the SiO2 layer. Furthermore, the observed maximum surface temperature of the Z30S gradually increased up to 2,200 degrees C proving that surface amorphous silica was continuously removed while monoclinic ZrO2 phase began to be exposed. A proposed ablation mechanism with respect to flame angles is discussed. This observation is expected to contribute to the design of complex-shaped UHTC applications for hypersonic vehicles and re-entry projectiles.