Effect of graphite flake on microstructure as well as mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance of ZrB2–SiC matrix ultrahigh temperature ceramics

Preparation and characterization of high-performance ZrB2–SiC–Cf composites sintered at 1450 °C

“…ZrB 2 -SiC composites are currently considered as the baseline ultra-high temperature ceramic composites owing to the fact that the introduction of SiC not only improves the mechanical properties of ZrB 2 by inhibiting the grain growth during sintering, but also increases the oxidation resistance of ZrB 2 by promoting the formation of silicate-based glasses that inhibit oxidation at temperatures between 800 and 1700 ℃ [5]. However, the inherent brittleness and poor thermal shock resistance of ZrB 2 -SiC ceramics are still obstacles for their engineering applications [6]. Therefore, great efforts have been employed to toughen ZrB 2 -based composites and push forward their application limits, and a variety of reinforcements such as particles [7], graphite flakes [8], whiskers [9], and fibers [10,11] have been adopted to toughen ZrB 2 -based UHTCs through different toughening mechanisms.…”

Fabrication, mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance of laminated TiB2–based ceramic

“…In addition, TiB 2 -based ceramics are a leading candidate as potential materials for hypersonic aircraft, reusable launch vehicles, or rocket engines and thermal protection structures for leading edge parts on hypersonic reentry space vehicles at over 1800°C [9,10]. Although the TiB 2 -based ceramics have many advantages, their intrinsic characteristics such as low fracture toughness (premature failure due to brittle fracture) and low toughness induced poor thermal shock resistance are still obstacles for them to be used widely, especially for applications in extreme environment [11].…”

Spherical indentation with multiple partial unloading for assessing the mechanical properties of ZrB2–SiC composites

“…In recent years, zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ), one of the most important representatives of ultra-high-temperature materials (UHTMs), has attracted much attention as a promising potential candidate material for ultrahigh temperature aerospace applications including leading edge components in hypersonic, reusable launch vehicles and thermal protection systems [1][2][3]. The major problems with the applications of ZrB 2 are its inherent brittleness and its sensitivities to flaws and/or defects due to limited macroscopic plastic deformation at room temperature [4].…”