Research Progress on Graphene/Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Composites

Ultrahigh-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are a kind of thermal protecting material used in the extreme thermal environment due to their excellent temperature resistance. However, their intrinsic brittleness and poor thermal shock resistance restrict the engineering applications. Graphene as a two-dimensional (2D) nano-material where carbon atoms are arranged in a honeycomb structure has superior mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. It is often used as an additive phase to modify the ceramic matrix, and is considered as an ideal toughening material in ceramic composites to realize the functionalization and structuralization of composites. This review represented recent research work on the preparation process, bionic construction method, microstructure and macro properties of graphene/UHTCs. The toughening effects and mechanism, thermal properties, thermal shock resistance and oxidation resistance of UHTCs doped with graphene were discussed. In addition, some challenges and future development of this field were also put forwarded.