Abstract
ZrB2 and ZrB2-based composites have extensive applications; however, their application is hindered by their low fracture toughness at room temperature. A ZrB2/(NbTi) composite with 60 wt% ZrB2 was densified to 97.1% through hot-pressing sintering at 1600 °C under 30 MPa. The phase, microstructure, and room and high-temperature (800–1200 °C) mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. The composite mainly consisted of a (Ti,Nb,Zr) solid solution (ss), Nb-rich (Ti,Nb)B, Ti-rich (Nb,Ti)B, and ZrB2. The room-temperature fracture toughness of the composite was up to 6.9 MPa·m1/2 due to crack bridging, crack defection, and pull-out toughening mechanisms. The high temperature deformability of ZrB2/(NbTi) improved as the test temperature increased from 800 °C to 1200 °C due to the plastic rheological behaviour of the ductile (Ti,Nb,Zr)ss phase and the localised temperature rise. The room and high-temperature compressive deformation processes and failure mechanisms were discussed in detail.
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