Protection of polymer matrix composite material with ceramic coatings

The bond coating of Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ light ceramic were sprayed on the carbon fiber reinforced polyimide composite substrate with Al powder sprayed by plasma spaying. And the adhesive strength, thermal cycling resistance, erosion resistance, and heat insulation of the bond coatings were tested. The results showed that, coatings with plasma spray Al bonding layer are better than those with arc spraying Al or Zn bonding layer. Erosion losses of the sample with Al₂O₃ coating are less than 1/3 of that of the PMC substrate. Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ coatings can provide effective erosion- and thermal-resistance for the PMC substrate, and the thermal-resistance of the ZrO₂ coating is better than that of the Al₂O₃ coating.