Removal mechanism of SiC/SiC composites by underwater femtosecond laser ablation

Silicon carbide Ceramic matrix composites (SiC matrix with SiC fibers, abbreviated as SiC/SiC composites) are widely used in aerospace and energy applications due to their excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, wear, and low density. However, the difficult machinability and surface oxidation of SiC/SiC composites are the main factors restricting their further application. To address these issues, this paper explores a novel method for underwater femtosecond laser ablation of SiC/SiC composites to obtain high cleanliness, low-oxidation microporous surfaces. This paper systematically analyses the changes in hole depth, material removal rate (MRR), surface morphology, and material components during underwater femtosecond laser ablation of SiC/SiC composites, and explains the formation of typical features such as induced cones, small banded pits, fiber debonding and shedding. Our work provides new research ideas for understanding the removal mechanism and surface oxidation resistance of SiC/SiC composites.