Fully dense HfC and TaC-based composites containing 15 vol% TaSi2 or MoSi2 were produced by hot pressing at 1750–1900 °C. TaSi2 enhanced the sinterability of the composites and nearly fully dense materials were obtained at lower temperatures than in the case of MoSi2-containing ones. The TaC-based composites performed better than HfC composites at room temperature, showing values of mechanical strength up to 900 MPa and a fracture toughness of 4.7 MPa·m1/2. However, preliminary oxidation tests carried out in air at 1600 °C revealed that HfC-based composites have a superior high temperature stability compared to TaC-based materials.

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