Carbon-carbon composites are strategic materials for space propulsion and thermal protection, but require oxidation protection. This study explores the feasibility of cold spraying metals and MAX phases onto carbon-carbon substrates for this purpose.

A porous liquid resin infused composite and a CVI substrate were tested to assess the influence of production method. Successful deposition of aluminium and a 25 vol.% MAX phase–Al mixture were achieved on the porous substrates. SEM-EDS analysis identified micro- and macro-scale mechanical bonding. For the CVI substrate, microstructural conditions enabling deposition were found. The discrepancy is attributed to the microstructural anisotropy of graphite and the production methods.

The role of substrate impact toughness was examined by comparing the Charpy impact toughness of five substrates with their degree of deposition, but no clear link was found. Additionally, an adapted analytical model for the critical velocity is presented.