Effect of B<sub>4</sub>C on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of ZrB<sub>2</sub>-SiC Based Ceramics

Abstract

ZrB2-SiC-B4C is sintered at 1700°C by spark plasma sintering process. The effect of B4C content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of ZrB2-SiC based ceramics is studied. The results show that, with the content of B4C increases, the relative density and room-temperature strength decrease in the ZrB2-SiC-B4C composite. The fracture toughness rises at first and then falls down. The high temperature strength increases.