Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites: Their Performance in Relevant Environments

Thermal protection materials for space vehicles must withstand extreme temperatures, harsh chemical environments, and rapid thermal fluctuations. Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) integrate UHTC-rich matrices with carbon fibers, enhancing damage tolerance and ablation resistance above 2000 °C. In this work, we present the latest experiments on mechanical and environmental testing. Bars for mechanical characterization were exposed to a plasma of dissociated air at 2200 °C in an arc jet facility. They were then subjected to bending tests to assess the impact of oxidation damage on their mechanical properties. More than 70% of the initial strength was retained, even coupling arc jet with thermal vacuum tests, demonstrating the durability of these composites. Material reusability was proven by the sample holder withstanding four repeated cycles. Microstructural analyses and mechanical tests were conducted on both exposed and pristine composites to evaluate oxidation effects under these extreme conditions.