Recently, ceramic matrix composites reinforced by short carbon fibers (CFs) attracted increasing attentions. To further improve mechanical properties and oxidation resistances, CFs were subjected to oxidation and acidification followed by sol-gel dip-coating to deposit ZrO
2 on their surfaces. ZrO
2-C
f/SiC composites were fabricated by joint hot compression molding and sintering, compared to C
f/SiC and SiC prepared by the same method. Microstructural analyses indicated that ZrO
2 coatings were successfully deposited on CF surfaces, formed strong bonding and interfaces between CF and the matrix. Meanwhile, CFs were found uniformly distributed in SiC matrix with random orientations. Flexural curves of ZrO
2-C
f/SiC and C
f/SiC revealed the presence of “false plasticity” regions after sharp drops, which were quite different from brittle flexural behavior of SiC ceramic. Compression strength of the three samples showed step-up growth. ZrO
2-C
f/SiC exhibited the highest value, indicating the introduction of CFs and ZrO
2 coatings do have great influence on mechanical performances. After heat treatment, ZrO
2-C
f/SiC exhibited better oxidation resistance than C
f/SiC, with weight loss ratios estimated to ??3.76% and ??6.43%, respectively. These improved properties indicated that ZrO
2-C
f/SiC would be excellent alternatives to other existence materials under ultra-high temperature environments.
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