Highly textured ZrB2-based ultrahigh temperature ceramics via strong magnetic field alignment

Highly c-axis oriented ZrB2-based ultrahigh-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) were prepared via strong magnetic field alignment during slip casting, followed by spark plasma sintering, using ZrB2 and beta-SiC as starting materials. Results showed that hardness was superior on the surface perpendicular to the grain alignment. Oxidation resistance was obviously better on the surface of (001) direction. The anisotropic properties of the textured materials would provide an opportunity to the material design and selection of UHTCs. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.