Microstructural features and mechanical properties of ZrB2-SiC-ZrC composites fabricated by hot pressing and reactive hot pressing

ZrB2-SiC-ZrC composites were fabricated using ZrB2, SiC, ZrC as raw powders for hot pressing (HP) and Zr, B4C, Si for reactive hot pressing (RHP). The synthesis process played a critical role in determining the microstructural features of the composites. The ZrB2 grains were equiaxed in the HP sample, while equiaxed and plate-like ZrB2 grains were found in the RHP samples. Milled Si powders as reactant promoted the homogeneous distribution of SiC. The relationships between microstructural features and mechanical properties of the composites are discussed. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.