ZrC–ZrB2 matrix composites with enhanced toughness prepared by reactive hot pressing

Pressureless sintering of ZrC with variable stoichiometry

“…Nevertheless, an undesirably exaggerated grain growth occurs with the addition of Zr. Other authors demonstrate an improvement of ZrC sinterability by addition of ZrB 2 and SiC [7][8][9][10]. An alternative sintering method, which enables high densification of ZrC material, is spark plasma sintering (SPS).…”

“…Basic investigations were conducted with regard to sub-stoichiometry or incorporation of oxygen for ZrC (meaning ZrC x O y with x < 1, y  1) powder processing and promotion of ZrC sintering by additives [4,5,9,[15][16][17]. These papers discuss specific effects of ZrC x O y composition in relation to sintering behavior.…”

The thermal shock behavior of Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 and in situ (ZrB2+ZrC)/Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 composite

“…Owing to the promising properties such as high melting temperature, hardness and modulus, excellent chemical stability, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and similar coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to Zr 3 [Al(Si)] 4 C 6 , both ZrB 2 and ZrC are ideal reinforcements for Zr 3 [Al(Si)] 4 C 6 matrix. Furthermore, ZrB 2 -ZrC composites show improved properties than either individual component [11,12]. As a result, Zr 3 [Al(Si)] 4 C 6 matrix composites reinforced by ZrB 2 and ZrC have been developed in our previous work, in which Zr 3 [Al(Si)] 4 C 6 matrix was toughened and strengthened significantly by the in situ incorporation of ZrB 2 and ZrC [13].…”

Syntheses of ZrC–SiC nanopowder via sol–gel method

“…Due to its high melting point, high hardness, solid-state phase stability, and good thermomechanical and thermochemical properties, zirconium carbide (ZrC) is considered to be a high potential ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) material that can be used for structural components in next-generation rocket engines and hypersonic spacecrafts, which require the ability to tolerate extreme conditions [1][2][3][4][5][6]. However, poor sinterability and low oxidation resistance in air limit its wide applications in extreme conditions [4,[7][8][9][10].…”