Oxidation response of ZrB2–SiC–ZrC composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

Considering the importance and application of ultrahigh temperature ceramics in oxidizing environments, in this research, the effect of ZrC content and spark plasma sintering parameters (temperature, time and pressure) on the oxidation response of ZrB2–SiC composites has been investigated. After fabricating the ternary composite samples in different SPS conditions and with different amounts of ZrC, the post-sintering oxidation process was carried out in a box furnace at the temperature of 1400 °C. Increasing the time and temperature of the SPS process caused the decrease in the oxidation resistance of the samples. The reason for such observations was attributed to the extreme growth of grains with increasing the temperature and time of the sintering process despite the better densification of the samples. This research did not reach a clear result about the effect of SPS pressure on composites oxidation behavior. Increasing the amount of ZrC also did not have a positive effect on the oxidation resistance of the samples because this phase itself undergoes oxidation at low temperatures.

A TEM study of nanostructures and interfaces in the hot-press sintered ZrB2–SiC–Si3N4 composites

“…Non-oxide ceramics including nitride, carbide, and boride compounds of a few transition metal elements are categorized as ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Based on their significant combination of characteristics such as high strength, high hardness, acceptable thermal shock resistance, high melting point, and machinability, these ceramics attracted a considerable amount of attention in applications like aerospace vehicles, propulsion systems, and in general, high-temperature industries [1][2][3][4][5]. Among the UHTCs, ZrB 2 -based ceramics are in priority and are the best candidates for applications like thermal protection systems (TPS) or refractory crucibles [6].…”