Preparation and characterization of high-toughness ZrB2/Mo composites by hot-pressing process

ZrB2/Mo composites with various volume fractions of Mo (0-10%) were prepared by a hot-pressing process at 1950 degrees C. The addition of Mo both facilitated the densification and improved the mechanical properties of the ZrB2/Mo composites. Compared with the pure ZrB2 ceramics, the fracture toughness of the ZrB2/Mo (10%) composite increased from 4.52 to 7.98 Mpa m(1/2) and its bending strength increased from 424 to 450 MPa. The enhancement in mechanical properties of the ZrB2/Mo composites could be attributed to the reduced grains and the MoB phase formed in the reaction between ZrB2 and Mo. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.