Abstract: The microstructure characteristic and formation mechanism of the crackfree and ablation-resistant TaC coating deposited on the C/C composite by Chemical Vapour Deposition(CVD) were investigated, using the reaction system of TaCl₅-C₃H₆-H₂-Ar. The results show that the nanosized pore structure formed in the TaC coating interior during CVD process is the main factor to reduce the hardness, elastic modulus, linear expansibility and inner thermal stress. Then crackfree coatings can be prepared and their thermal shock resistance can be enhanced. To obtain the dense and homogeneous matrix surface is necessary for the crackfree and low stress coating. The TaC coating structure that distributes from the dense matrix towards loose coating surface will result in the thick crackfree coating with good thermal shock resistance.

Key words:  C/C composite; TaC coating; morphology; crack; mechanism; pore