Synthesis and properties of a precursor derived nano Zr(C, N)-carbon composite coating on SiC fibers

Highlights: • A precursor derived nano Zr(C, N)-carbon coating on SiC fibers was prepared. • The coating was prepared by polymer infiltration method with a novel precursor. • The coating had a complete coverage on the fibers without obvious defects. • The coating had a relatively good oxidation protection for SiC fibers at high temperature. A precursor was synthesized through the reaction of Cp₂ZrCl₂ and Ph(NH₂)₂ and the pyrolyzed ceramics were characterized. The obtained precursor has a backbone with Zr–N–Ph unit and a relatively good solubility in polar solvent. The precursor turned to a nano Zr(C, N)-carbon composite ceramic with a smooth surface when treated at 1200 °C in N₂. After the oxidation measurement in a furnace in air at 1400 °C the residue carbon ablated and the Zr(C, N) particles grew rapidly. According to these properties the precursor was applied to prepare a coating on SiC fibers by polymer infiltration method. The morphology investigated by the SEM measurement showed that the coating had a complete coverage on the fibers without obvious defect and linkage between fibers, which could be a promising candidate for high temperature protective coating used in composites. Heat treatment of the fibers with and without the protection of the polymer derived coating in air at high temperatures had proved the effect of the coatings.