Development and Evaluation of Oxidation Protective Coatings for Carbon-Carbon Composites

Aircraft brake pressure plates made of carbon-carbon composites are subjected to very high heat over 1000 degrees F causing oxidation, thus limiting the life span. Oxidation protective coating system needs to be developed that can substantially improve the performance characteristics and life span. UES, Inc. proposes to develop silicon and boron based multilayer coating system using a physical vapor deposition method. In Phase I, various compositions of silicon and boron containing coatings will be deposited. The composition and microstructure will be analyzed by Auger Electron Spectroscopy, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Optimized, well-adherent coatings will be subjected to lab-scale simulated exposure tests up to 2000 degrees F. Phase II will involve further optimization of the coatings and scale up of the coating process.