Abstract: | To provide a basis for the high-temperature oxidation of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), the oxidation behavior of Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 and a novel Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6-ZrB2-SiC composite at 1500 °C were investigated for the first time. From the calculation results, the oxidation kinetics of the two specimens follow the oxidation dynamic parabolic law. Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 exhibited a thinner oxide scale and lower oxidation rate than those of the composite under the same conditions. The oxide scale of Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 exhibited a two-layer structure, while that of the composite exhibited a three-layer structure. Owing to the volatilization of B2O3 and the active oxidation of SiC, a porous oxide layer formed in the oxide scale of the composite, resulting in the degradation of its oxidation performance. Furthermore, the cracks and defects in the oxide scale of the composite indicate that the reliability of the oxide scale was poor. The results support the service temperature of the obtained ceramics. |