Carbon barrier controlled metal infiltration layer for enhanced oxidation protection

The present invention provides for oxidatively resistant silicon carbide coated carbon/carbon (C/C) composites which comprise a C/C composite base that is strongly bound to a durable silicon carbide protective layer, a method for the preparation of these materials using a reactive carbon powder as a reactant in the step of forming the silicon carbide layer, and the use of the silicon carbide coated C/C composite in high temperature applications, preferably in brakes for airplanes. The invention provides for oxidatively resistant silicon carbide coated carbon/carbon composites, a method for the preparation of these materials, and their use in high temperature applications, preferably in brakes for airplanes. The silicon carbide coated C/C composite, which is resistant to oxidation at high temperatures, is prepared by a method comprising: (a) coating a C/C composite base with a reactive carbon containing composition to form a reactive carbon coated C/C composite; followed by (b) applying a silicon containing composition to the reactive carbon coated C/C composite to form a bi-layered C/C composite; (c) heating the bi-layered C/C composite to at least the melting point of silicon to form the silicon carbide coated C/C composite; and optionally (d) applying a retardant solution to the silicon carbide coated C/C composite wherein the retardant solution comprises the ions formed from the combination of the following: 10-80 wt % HO and 90-20 wt % HPO.