To improve ablation resistance of C/C composites, HfC-based coating and SiC coating were prepared on the surface of C/C composites by chemical vapor deposition. The coating exhibits dense surface and outstanding anti-ablation ability. Compared with uncoated C/C, the linear and mass ablation rates of the coated C/C decreased by 33.3% and 66.7%, respectively, after ablation for 20 s. The residual oxides can prevent oxygen from diffusing inwardly; large amounts of heat can be taken away by the gas generated during ablation, which is also helpful for protection. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.