Due to the higher strength, higher toughness and better corrosion resistance, continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CFRCMCs) have been favored by the researchers [1–3]. They have the potential to be applied in aerospace, advanced weapons, ships, and nuclear energy [2–9].
For long-time use under high-temperature environment, the application of non-oxide ceramic matrix composites is severely limited as the fibers and matrix are particularly prone to oxidation and failure [10–12].
As an important branch of CFRCMCs, Oxide/Oxide composites (OCMCs) have attracted more attention with the development of oxide fibers. Oxide ceramics demonstrate excellent corrosion resistance, which makes it suitable for long-time use in high-temperature oxidation environment [12–15].
The Oxide fibers can be divided into the following categories: quartz fibers (SiO2), aluminosilicate (AS) fibers and alumina fibers (Al2O3). Al2O3 fibers exhibit better creep resistance and high-temperature resistance behavior [16–21].
The oxide matrix mainly includes silica matrix, mullite matrix and alumina matrix. Among them, alumina matrix shows excellent corrosion resistance. Thus, Al2O3f /Al2O3 composites are expected to be applied as an alternative material in high-temperature environment [22, 23].
In our previous study, Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites were produced using sol-gel method [23]. The microstructure of Al2O3 fibers and Al2O3 matrix were examined, while the mechanical properties of Al2O3f /Al2O3 composites were characterized.
Before the practical application of Al2O3f /Al2O3 composites under the high-temperature environment, it is necessary to investigate the evolution of microstructure during ablation. Oxyacetylene torch flame ablation method is the simplest and easiest way to achieve this goal with the minimum cost [24]. However, the studies on ablation morphology and microstructure of Al2O3f /Al2O3 composites have been rarely reported.
In this study, the ablation behavior of Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites was revealed and discussed. Besides, the surface variations of Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites were clarified and compared.