A novel SiC?ZrB2 coating was prepared using a two-step technique by slurry-sintering and chemical vapor reaction on carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. The SiC?ZrB2 coating was composed of the scattered ZrB2 phase and the continuous SiC phase. It was observed that a good adhesion was built between the coating and the C/C composites. The SiC?ZrB2 coating samples exhibited a better ablation resistance in comparison with the uncoated C/C composites. The SiO2?ZrO2 barrier layer, the heat dissipation of the gaseous products and the pinning effect of ZrO2 all contributed to the good ablation resistance of the SiC?ZrB2 coated composites.
