Method for making a refractory carbide layer on a part made of C/C composite material

1. A method of making at least one layer of refractory carbide on a accessible surface of a carbon/carbon composite material, the method being characterized in that it comprises:

a step of placing the composite material in contact with a reactive composition in solid form containing an atomic proportion greater than or equal to one-third and less than or equal to 95% of a refractory metal that is a precursor of a determined carbide that has a melting temperature higher than 2000° C., together with an atomic proportion of silicon that is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to two-thirds; and

a step of impregnating the accessible surface of the carbon/carbon composite material with the reactive composition melted by applying heat treatment at a temperature higher than or equal to the melting temperature of said refractory metal that is a precursor of a determined carbide so as to form a first phase of silicon carbide in contact with the carbon/carbon composite material, and a second phase of the determined carbide;

and wherein said first and second phases are formed solely by reaction with the carbon of the carbon/carbon composite material.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the reactive composition comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, and tungsten.

3. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the reactive composition comprises a metal disilicide selected from the group consisting of TiSi 2 , ZrSi 2 , NbSi 2 , HfSi 2 , TaSi 2 , and WSi 2 .

4. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the reactive composition further includes a third element.

5. A method according to claim 4 , characterized in that the reactive composition contains zirconium, and in that the third element is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, and yttrium.

6. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that, prior to placing the carbon/carbon composite material in contact with the reactive composition, one or more external portions of the carbon/carbon composite material are covered in an anti-wetting agent.

7. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the reactive composition further contains a melting additive that does not react with carbon and that has a melting temperature that is lower than that of said refractory metal.

8. A method according to claim 7 , characterized in that the melting additive is selected from the group consisting of tin and copper.

9. A method according to claim 2 , characterized in that:

the reactive composition comprises a metal disilicide selected from the group consisting of TiSi 2 , ZrSi 2 , NbSi 2 , HfSi 2 , TaSi 2 , and WSi 2 ;

the reactive composition further includes a third element;

the reactive composition contains zirconium, and in that the third element is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, and yttrium;

prior to placing the carbon/carbon composite material in contact with the reactive composition, one or more external portions of the carbon/carbon composite material are covered in an anti-wetting agent;

the reactive composition further contains a melting additive that does not react with carbon and that has a melting temperature that is lower than that of said refractory metal; and

the melting additive is selected from the group consisting of tin and copper.