The Development of an IrAl Coated SiC-C Functionally Gradient Composite for Oxidation Protection of Graphite and Carbon-Carbon Composites.

Abstract

This report is the final summary for AFOSR project number F49620-92-J-0367. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the oxidation protection afforded to graphite or C/C composites by combining IrAl with SiC-C functionally gradient coatings FGCs. This project involved the design and construction of a novel cold wall levitation chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) reactor capable of producing continuous FGCs, and the modification of an existing physical vapor deposition (PVD) system to allow for codeposition of Ir and Al. The SiC-C FGCs were produced using the SiCl4-C3H8-H2 gas system. By continuously varying the Si to C ratio in the gas stream the composition of the coatings could be precisely controlled and tailored to fit a predetermined compositional profile. IrAl was deposited onto the SiC-C FGC by alternately depositing layers of Ir and Al and reacting them at 700 deg C, in vacuum, to form IrAl. Analysis of the as reacted film indicated that IrAl had indeed formed, however, a secondary reaction had occurred between the Ir and SiC producing IrSi3 and graphite. Cracking of the IrAl coating was also observed and was attributed to the CTE mismatch between SiC and the IrAl coating. Upon exposure to a high temperature oxidizing flame (<2100 deg C for 5 min.), the IrAl formed a protective layer of alumina, however, the extensive cracking of the IrAl layer allowed the SiC-C FGC layer to oxidize. jg p3

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 27, 1995
Accession Number
ADA302143

Entities

People

  • A. C. Richards
  • F. S. Ohuchi
  • M. R. Richards
  • M. Taya

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Carbon Composites
  • Chemical Vapor Deposition
  • Coatings
  • Composite Materials
  • Graphitic Materials
  • High Temperature
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Oxidation
  • Physical Vapor Deposition
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Vapor Deposition

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.