Preparation and characterization of C/SiC-ZrB2 composites by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis process

Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (C/SiC-ZrB2) are prepared by slurry and precursor infiltrations and pyrolysis method. C/SiC-ZrB2 composites with ZrB2 volume content from 10% to 24.6%, have balanced performance of fracture toughness (17.7-8.1 MPa m(1/2)), flexural strength at room temperature (367-163 MPa) and at high temperature (strength retention 74% at 1800 degrees C and over 32% at 2000 degrees C), better oxidation and ablation resistance under oxyacetylene torch environment (recession rate 0.01 mm/s). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.