An apparatus includes a first component comprising a carbon composite substrate. A high temperature coating is disposed on the surface of the carbon composite substrate. The high temperature coating includes a bond layer of a metal carbide on the surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes a second component, and braze material joining the surface of the first component to the second component. In some examples, a brake assembly (215) may include a rotor (336) having a surface configured to interface with another component (340) of the brake assembly (215). The brake assembly (215) includes an insert (370) joined to the surface of the rotor without a mechanical fastener, and the insert (370) defines a tough mechanical contact surface configured to protect the rotor (336).