Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
The useful lives of many ceramic composites are influenced, if not controlled, by chemical interactions between various constituents and the gas environment. Thermochemical calculations are extremely valuable in evaluating these concerns. Examples of many possible concerns are presented. The usefulness of a thermochemical approach is demonstrated by a somewhat detailed discussion of the oxidation protection of carbon-carbon composites. This includes discussion of the various possible rate limiting steps and the detrimental effects of CO gas formed as a result of carbon oxidation.