Ultra-high temperature ceramics based on ZrB2 obtained by pressureless sintering with addition of Cr3C2, Mo2C, and WC

Abstract

ZrB2-MeC and ZrB2-19 vol% SiC-MexCy where Me=Cr, Mo, W were obtained by pressureless sintering. The capability to promote densification of ZrB2 and ZrB2-SiC matrices is the highest for WC and lowest for Cr3C2. The interaction between the components results in the formation of new phases, such as MeB (MoB, CrB, WB), a solid solution based on ZrC, and a solid solution based on ZrB2. The addition of Cr3C2 decreases the mechanical properties. On the other hand, the addition of Mo2C or WC to ZrB2-19 vol% SiC composite ceramics leads increased mechanical properties. Long-term oxidation of ceramics at 1500 °C for 50 h showed that, in binary ZrB2-MexCy, a protective oxide scale does not form on the surface thus leading to the destruction of the composite. On the contrary, triple composites showed high oxidation resistance, due to the formation of dense oxide scale on the surface, with ZrB2-SiC-Mo2C displaying the best performance.